Daijiworld Media Network - Kolkata

Kolkata, Jun 23: West Bengal Police have seized nearly 3 kilograms of gold jewellery, valued at around Rs 4.39 crore, from the residence of Nadia Zilla Parishad member and Trinamool Congress leader Tina Bhowmik Saha during an overnight raid in Nadia district.

The search operation was carried out by Bidhannagar police following fresh leads that emerged during the interrogation of former Bidhannagar Mayor and Trinamool Congress leader Sabyasachi Dutta, who was arrested earlier this month in connection with multiple allegations, including extortion and possession of disproportionate assets.

According to investigators, information gathered during Dutta's questioning pointed towards the presence of a substantial quantity of gold at a residence in Tehatta, Nadia district. Acting on these inputs, police teams conducted a late-night search at the house of Tina Bhowmik Saha, who is considered a close associate of the former mayor.

Officials said Dutta accompanied the investigating team during the operation. During the search, police recovered approximately 3 kg of gold jewellery, whose estimated market value exceeds Rs 4.39 crore. The entire consignment has been seized, and a detailed investigation is underway.

Investigators had earlier recovered purchase receipts and a significant quantity of gold ornaments from Dutta's Rajarhat apartment and a bank locker while probing the alleged source of his assets. Police suspect that a portion of the wealth may have been accumulated through extortion and unaccounted funds.

Sabyasachi Dutta, who recently contested the Assembly election from Barasat on a Trinamool Congress ticket, was unsuccessful in securing victory.

Police are now questioning Tina Bhowmik Saha regarding the source and ownership of the recovered jewellery and her connection to the assets under scrutiny. Authorities have not disclosed additional details, stating that the investigation remains ongoing.