Dilip Mondal, who had been absconding amid multiple FIRs and police searches, was reportedly arrested by the State STF from a hotel in Puri on Wednesday.
STF arrests Dilip Mondal from Puri
According to preliminary information, the Trinamool Congress MLA from Bishnupur had allegedly gone into hiding in neighbouring Odisha after a controversial video of him surfaced following the Assembly election results. Acting on a tip-off, STF officials reportedly raided Hotel Lily in Puri and detained him.
MLA allegedly hiding inside Odisha hotel
The controversy began after a video allegedly showing Mondal issuing threats went viral on social media. In the clip, he was purportedly heard saying, “We showed restraint for 15 years and kept peace, but that will no longer continue,” while allegedly warning BJP supporters. Multiple FIRs were later lodged against him, though the authenticity of the video has not been independently verified.
Threat video triggered multiple police complaints
The MLA had earlier moved the Calcutta High Court seeking legal protection. However, during that period, police teams and the STF continued conducting searches across multiple locations.
Police searched luxurious Pailan residence earlier
Police and RAF personnel had also carried out raids at Mondal’s residence in Pailan earlier this month. Investigators were reportedly surprised by the lavish property, which allegedly included a private zoo, luxury cars, a swimming pool, expensive wooden furniture, and even an artificial cave.
MLA’s son arrested with alleged firearms
The investigation intensified further after Mondal’s son, Arghya Mondal, along with five others, was arrested from the Bakkhali-Fraserganj area on May 17. Firearms were allegedly recovered during the operation, and the accused were booked for allegedly attempting to create unrest in the area.
After remaining untraceable for days and reportedly fleeing Bengal, Dilip Mondal was finally tracked down and arrested in Puri by the STF.
