TMC MLA’s houses searched over ‘threat’ video, phones seized

Police on Thursday conducted search operations at two residences of Trinamul Congress MLA Dilip Mondal in South 24-Parganas district in connection with alleged “provocative remarks and threats” directed at BJP workers in a purported viral video.

Personnel from the West Bengal Police, accompanied by Central forces, reached the legislator’s sprawling residence in the Pailan area under the Diamond Harbour Police District in the morning and began searches as part of an ongoing investigation. A senior police officer said the searches were being conducted on the basis of specific allegations mentioned in FIRs lodged against the Bishnupur MLA. “Searches are being carried out as part of an ongoing investigation based on specific allegations mentioned in FIRs. All necessary steps are being taken in accordance with the law,” the officer said.

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According to police sources, two FIRs have been registered against Mondal under non-bailable sections. Investigators are examining allegations linked to purported videos circulating on social media in which the MLA was allegedly seen making threatening remarks against BJP workers during a public rally. The authenticity of the videos, however, could not be independently verified. Police said Mondal was not present at his “sprawling” Pailan residence when officers arrived for the operation, although he was reportedly seen in the locality earlier in the morning.

During the searches, police recovered two mobile phones allegedly belonging to the legislator from one of the houses. Officials said the devices were seized for examination as part of the investigation.