Dilip Mondal, a five-time Trinamool Congress legislator from Bishnupur (SC) Assembly constituency in South 24 Parganas district and former West Bengal Minister of State for Transport, has filed for anticipatory bail at the Calcutta High Court due to fears of arrest following several FIRs against him. The petition, submitted to Justice Saugata Bhattacharya, also requests the cancellation of all registered FIRs. The court has accepted the plea, with a hearing scheduled for May 26.
Police have been attempting to locate Mondal since May 4, after allegations arose that he threatened BJP workers with a gun post the West Bengal Assembly election results. Five individuals, including Mondal’s son Arghya Mondal, have already been arrested in connection with the case. Arghya was found in possession of illegal firearms and is accused of instigating unrest in the area.
A video circulating online depicted Dilip Mondal threatening BJP workers, leading to a formal complaint being lodged against him. Despite a police and CAPF visit to his residence on May 14, Mondal was not present. Reports indicate that Mondal owns two properties in the Pailan area of South 24 Paraganas district, both of which were searched by the police. One of his residences, featuring a large area, garden, swimming pool, swing, fountain, and statues akin to a luxury resort, attracted attention.
Local residents have voiced concerns about Mondal’s influence as a long-standing legislator from Bishnupur (SC), alleging that he wielded significant power and instilled fear in the community during his tenure. They claim that Mondal, backed by the Trinamool regime, remained immune to police action.
