TMC Leader Anubrata Mondal's Daughter Arrested By ED For Money Laundering In Cattle Smuggling Case

Sukanya Mondal, daughter of Anubrata Mondal, a Trinamool Congress (TMC) leader in West Bengal who was held in custody for involvement in cattle smuggling via the India-Bangladesh border, has been arrested by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) on charges of money laundering, more than a month after her father's arrest.

The ED had apprehended Anubrata's chartered accountant, Manish Kothari, last month.

Sukanya was questioned for hours after being summoned on Wednesday (26 April), and then taken into custody on criminal charges under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), according to an official.

A source in the ED revealed: Sukanya was questioned about her bank accounts which showed large cash transactions and registered properties beyond her income. She provided no explanation when informed of this during interrogation. She claimed that her father and his accountant were aware of the situation, but did not offer further details.

Sukanya has previously been questioned by the ED on multiple occasions.

A primary school teacher in Birbhum district, Sukanya will appear in a Delhi court on Thursday (27 April) where the investigation officer will request for her extended custody.

Anubrata was initially arrested by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) in August for cattle smuggling. He was later arrested by the ED on 17 November for money laundering related to the same case.

Anubrata is a highly trusted aide of Mamata Banerjee, and popularly known as "Kestoda."