Anubrata Mondal Returns Home After 2 Years, TMC Leader Receives Hero’s Welcome in Birbhum

After 18 months of incarceration, Anubrata Mondal, the former president of the Trinamool Congress (TMC) Birbhum district, returned to his hometown on Tuesday. He had been granted bail by the Rouse Avenue Court in Delhi on Friday. However, due to delays in processing legal paperwork, his release was postponed. Finally, on Monday night, after his release from Tihar Jail, Mondal boarded a flight to Kolkata along with his daughter, Sukanya.

Arriving in Kolkata early Tuesday morning, Mondal, affectionately known as “Keshto,” immediately headed to his residence in Nichupatty, Bolpur, reaching home around 9 AM after a journey through Burdwan. Supporters gathered along the roadside several kilometers before Bolpur to welcome their leader, showering him with flowers and chanting praises. Mondal’s vehicle was repeatedly halted by the overwhelming crowd as his followers expressed their joy at his return.

Upon reaching Bolpur, Mondal briefly interacted with the media. He mentioned his physical health issues, including pain in his legs and back, but emphasized his respect for the legal process, stating, “I respect the court and follow the law.” He added, “I will always stand by Didi [Mamata Banerjee] as I always have.”

Anubrata Mondal was arrested by the CBI from his Bolpur residence on August 11, 2022, in connection with the cattle smuggling case. After his initial arrest, he was held in Asansol jail before being transferred to Tihar Jail in March 2023, where he remained in custody. In November 2023, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) also arrested him, followed by the arrest of his daughter, Sukanya. Both were detained in Tihar Jail during this period.

Interestingly, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee had earlier vowed to bring Mondal back with honor. As Mondal returned to Birbhum, speculation mounted about a possible meeting between him and Banerjee, who is scheduled to hold an administrative event in the district on Tuesday. When asked about this, Mondal replied, “If my health permits, I will meet the Chief Minister.”