In a significant development, the Special Task Force (STF) of West Bengal Police on Wednesday arrested Dilip Mondal, the Trinamool Congress (TMC) MLA from Bishnupur in South 24 Parganas, from a hotel in Puri after days of evading law enforcement. Acting on a tip-off, an STF team conducted a raid at a hotel near New Marine Drive in Puri, where Mondal was located and arrested. According to sources, he is being brought back to Kolkata on a transit remand.
The police had earlier launched a search operation on May 14 at Mondal’s residences in Pailan, under the jurisdiction of the Diamond Harbour Police District, following allegations that he made provocative remarks and issued threats against political opponents after the election results. A large contingent of police and central forces had cordoned off the area.
Despite being present at home when the police arrived, Mondal reportedly went missing shortly thereafter, evading capture. During the search, officers found both of his mobile phones inside the residence, complicating efforts to trace his location. The scale of his property also drew attention, with reports describing a sprawling estate featuring amenities such as gardens, a swimming pool, and even a mini-zoo.
In the days that followed, the police intensified their efforts. On the night of May 17, the STF, along with personnel from the Diamond Harbour Police District, arrested five individuals in the Fraserganj area of Bakkhali, including Mondal’s son, Arghya Mandal.
Meanwhile, on May 22, Mondal approached the Calcutta High Court seeking legal protection. His counsel submitted an urgent plea before the bench of Sougata Bhattacharyya, who permitted the filing of the petition after considering the circumstances.
However, despite these legal efforts and attempts to remain out of reach, Mondal was eventually tracked down and arrested by the STF in Puri. Further legal proceedings are expected once he is brought back to Kolkata.
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