Stack of Currency Notes, TMC Leader in Frame: Viral Video Sparks Political Row in Bengal

Kolkata: A video clip showing bundles of currency notes on a table with a Trinamool Congress (TMC) leader seated behind it has gone viral on social media, triggering a political controversy in West Bengal ahead of the state elections.

The video purportedly features Mohammad Giasuddin Mondal, vice-chairman of the Barasat I Panchayat Samiti in North 24 Parganas district, sitting alongside local businessman Rakibul Islam, with a large sum of cash spread out on the table.

In the clip, a voice is heard asking over the phone whether a purchase would be made 'in cash or on finance,' while another individual arrives carrying a nylon bag reportedly filled with money.

The video prompted allegations of illicit cash transactions. Mondal, however, dismissed the claims, stating the clip dates back to 2022 and that he had no involvement in the transaction.

'I was merely sitting there. Some friends were involved in a land deal. That is all I know,' Mondal told reporters.

Rakibul Islam also denied any wrongdoing, saying the money was part of a land transaction. 'It is a two-year-old video. As far as I remember, money from a land deal was being counted. There was investment in land,' he said, adding that Mondal was a partner in the transaction and that the premises shown were not his office.

Local TMC leaders said the matter is under review. Barasat I block TMC convenor Mohammad Isha Sarkar said the party would take action if wrongdoing is established. 'If the authenticity of the video is proven and guilt is established, action will be taken. Questions also arise about the source of such a huge amount of cash,' he said.

The opposition Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) claimed the clip reflected the ruling party’s 'true character.' BJP leader Tapas Mitra called Mondal a 'land mafia' and demanded an immediate probe by central agencies.

'We have seen cases like Anubrata Mondal and Partha Chatterjee. TMC is looting Bengal. We want the ED to investigate and the Centre to step in,' he said.