Sukanya Mondal Granted Bail After 16 Months in Cattle Smuggling Case

Sukanya Mondal Granted Bail After 16 Months in Cattle Smuggling Case

Sukanya Mondal, daughter of Trinamool Congress leader Anubrata Mondal, was granted bail by the Delhi High Court on Tuesday after 16 months in custody. She was arrested by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) in April 2023 in connection with a money laundering case linked to the India-Bangladesh border cattle smuggling racket.

The court granted bail considering the lengthy trial process, Sukanya's status as a woman, and the precedent set by the Supreme Court in granting bail to her father in July 2024. However, she must furnish a personal bond of Rs. 10 lakh and one surety of the same amount.

Sukanya is accused of laundering approximately Rs. 12 crores through her companies and firms, allegedly using funds received by her father as bribes from the main accused, Satish Kumar. The ED argued that she failed to explain the source of large cash deposits in her and her family's bank accounts.

Sukanya's defense argued that she was unaware of any illegal activities and was merely managing the family business. They also pointed to the selective arrest of Sukanya while another accused, Tanya Sanyal, was granted bail despite similar charges.

The court acknowledged the voluminous nature of the case and the potential for a lengthy trial. Additionally, they considered Sukanya's right to bail as a woman under the PMLA and the precedent set by her father's bail.

This case highlights the ongoing investigation into the cattle smuggling racket and the complex legal issues surrounding money laundering accusations. While Sukanya has been granted bail, the investigation and trial are expected to continue.