Trinamool Congress (TMC) leader Anubrata Mondal returned to his home in Birbhum district on Tuesday morning after spending more than two years in Tihar Jail. His release comes after a series of legal battles linked to multiple cases, including an ongoing investigation into alleged cattle smuggling.
Upon his arrival in the Nichupatti area of Bolpur town, Mondal was met with a warm welcome from supporters who celebrated his return with traditional conch shells, drums, and vibrant green powder known as 'gulaal.'
In a statement to reporters outside his residence, accompanied by his daughter Sukanya, Mondal reaffirmed his loyalty to TMC supremo and Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee. He expressed, "I was with Didi and will always remain with her. I convey my Durga Puja greetings to her." He also shared concerns about his health, indicating pain in his legs and hips, which may delay a planned meeting with Banerjee.
Sources indicate that Banerjee may meet Mondal during her upcoming visit to Bolpur, where she intends to assess the flood situation. She often refers to Mondal affectionately as 'Keshto' and considers him a close confidante.
Local party leaders organised a warm reception for Mondal, erecting welcome gates and hoardings throughout Bolpur to show that he was missed during his absence.
Mondal served as the TMC president in Birbhum, and during his imprisonment following his arrest in August 2022, no successor was appointed; a core team managed party activities in his place.
In July, the Supreme Court granted Mondal bail with the condition that he surrender his passport and cooperate with the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI). However, he remained in custody due to a parallel Enforcement Directorate (ED) investigation into alleged cattle smuggling. He finally secured bail in the ED case on September 20, over two years after his arrest.
His daughter Sukanya, arrested in April 2023 and accused of complicity in the alleged activities, was granted bail by a Delhi court on September 10.
(With inputs from agencies)
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