Cash-on-table video ‘featuring TMC neta’ sparks row in Barasat
Times of India | 5 January 2026
Kolkata: A video showing bundles of cash laid out on a table with a Trinamool neta and a businessman sitting around it has triggered a political storm at Barasat in North 24 Parganas. The video, whose authenticity could not be verified, purportedly features Md Giyasuddin Mondal, vice-president of Barasat panchayat samiti-I and Rakibul Islam, a local businessman. It also shows two others counting the wads of Rs 500 notes on the table.
While BJP seized on the video to attack Trinamool, Mondal has denied any link to the cash. "This is a very old video. I was simply sitting there and chatting with a few acquaintances. I have no connection with the money on the table whatsoever," he said. Islam, the businessman, said the incident in the video dates back to 2022. "I was sitting with Mondal as a business partner at a house in Kazipara, Barasat. I believe the money was kept there in connection with a land transaction."
Tapas Mitra, a BJP neta in Barasat, said, "The incident shows how Bengal is being looted. Mondal and his associates should be taken into ED custody to trace the source of the money."
Reacting to the controversy, a Trinamool neta said the matter was being looked into and assured appropriate action if anyone is found to be involved in illegal activity.