A video circulating widely on social media has ignited a major political controversy in West Bengal, showing substantial bundles of currency notes meticulously stacked on a table while a Trinamool Congress (TMC) leader is seated prominently in the frame. The clip, which surfaced recently ahead of upcoming elections, has raised serious questions about potential illicit financial dealings within the ruling party.

The footage clearly features Mohammad Giasuddin Mondal, vice-chairman of the Barasat I Panchayat Samiti in North 24 Parganas district, sitting alongside local businessman Rakibul Islam. Large amounts of cash are visible spread across the table, with a voice audible in the background discussing a transaction over the phone, specifically asking whether payment would be made “in cash or on finance.” Subsequently, another individual enters the scene carrying a nylon bag apparently filled with additional money, further intensifying suspicions of unauthorized cash handling.

Mondal has vehemently rejected any allegations of misconduct, insisting that the video originates from 2022 and is connected to a private land deal among acquaintances. He maintained that his presence was incidental, stating he was simply sitting there without any active participation in the transaction. This defense aims to portray the incident as a routine business matter rather than any form of political or illegal activity.

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Rakibul Islam, who is heard speaking on the phone in the video, supported this narrative by describing the funds as proceeds from a legitimate land investment. He confirmed Mondal's involvement as a partner in the deal and emphasized that the location depicted was a private setting, not an official office or party premises. Both individuals have urged the public to view the clip in the context of a standard real estate transaction common in the region.

Local TMC leadership has responded cautiously, announcing an internal inquiry into the matter. Barasat I block TMC convenor Mohammad Isha Sarkar stated that the party is committed to transparency and will take appropriate action if the video's authenticity is verified and any wrongdoing is established. Meanwhile, the opposition Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has aggressively capitalized on the controversy, branding it as indicative of systemic corruption in the TMC, referencing past cases involving leaders like Anubrata Mondal and Partha Chatterjee, and demanding immediate intervention by central agencies such as the Enforcement Directorate.

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