August 1, 2025

Kolkata's Birbhum district has seen a significant political development as Anubrata Mondal, a key leader of the Trinamool Congress (TMC), has had his Y-category security restored. This decision follows a direct meeting between Mondal and West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee during her recent tour of the Birbhum district which took place from July 27 to July 29. The reinstatement of Mondal's security cover comes after it was initially withdrawn in May. At that time, Mondal was accused of making abusive phone calls to a police inspector and his family. Despite these serious allegations, the political landscape is shifting as Mondal regains his stature within the party as they gear up for the upcoming 2026 assembly elections. Mondal has been a pivotal figure in the TMC, serving as the president of the party's Birbhum unit for nearly 20 years. However, he was removed from this post in May. Nevertheless, his importance has not waned; shortly after, he was included in a newly-formed nine-member core committee of the TMC, an indication of his continued influence in the party. Following his meeting with Banerjee, Mondal has been appointed as the convenor of this core committee. "I was informed about the security cover just now," Mondal told reporters on Wednesday evening as he resumed his duties. He has already called for an emergency meeting of the core committee and a meeting of the TMC's district committee scheduled for August 3, showing his proactive approach to reestablishing his leadership. Complexities surround Mondal's profile, as he remains a prime accused in a high-profile cattle smuggling case. He was arrested by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) in August 2022 and spent two years in jail before being released on bail in September last year. His daughter, Sukanya Mondal, was also implicated in the investigation and arrested in April 2023 as an alleged accomplice. Currently,the CBI and the Enforcement Directorate are actively investigating over 70 properties and business dealings associated with Mondal and his daughter, including two rice mills. These investigations have raised further questions about the financial and administrative integrity surrounding their operations and the TMC's leadership. Police Superintendent Amandeep remained tight-lipped about the details surrounding the decision to restore Mondal's security. His quietness contrasts sharply with the high-profile nature of the ongoing investigations and the public interest in the implications for the TMC. As the party prepares for the political battleground in 2026, Anubrata Mondal's re-emergence reflects the complex interplay of political power, public service, and ongoing criminal investigations in West Bengal. His ability to regain favor and security demonstrates a resilience that could influence the political dynamics not only within the TMC but across the state. As tensions remain high due to pending investigations and public scrutiny, the restoration of Mondal's security cover can be seen by some as a reaffirmation of loyalty within the party ranks, while others may view it as a questionable endorsement amidst serious allegations. The outcomes of the investigations and the upcoming 2026 election will undoubtedly shape the future of both Mondal and the TMC.

Read More at Hindustantimes →

Tags: Anubrata mondal, Tmc, West bengal, Security cover, Mamata banerjee,