Secret tunnel discovered under fake gold dealer’s home in West Bengal

The West Bengal Police have uncovered a hidden tunnel beneath the residence of an alleged dealer of counterfeit gold idols in the South 24 Parganas district, officials said on Monday. Governor CV Ananda Bose called it a ‘national security concern’, and urged the Mamata Banerjee government to uphold the rule of law in the state.

The 40-meter-long tunnel, which contains waist-deep water, connects to the Matla River and the Sunderban Delta, flowing near the Indo-Bangladesh border.

Authorities believe that the smuggler Saddam Sardar and his associates used this tunnel as an escape route during a police raid initiated by numerous complaints of fraud involving fake gold idols and the non-delivery of purchased items via social media.

“We received a complaint against Saddam Sardar and his brother Sairul for allegedly duping a Nadia-based man. The Sardar brothers had swindled Rs. 12 lakhs from the man after luring him with fake gold items. Based on the complaint, we launched search operations for the duo, who have been at large ever since,” said SP Baruipur Palash Chandra Dhali.

MOB ATTACKS POLICE

On July 15, Kultali Police Station received a tip-off about Saddam Sardar’s return to his residence in West Bengal. During the raid, the police faced violent resistance, eventually leading to his escape.

Saddam’s family members, led by his brother Sairul, engaged in a physical confrontation with the police. Sairul, described as “influential,” allegedly incited a mob that attacked the police with stones, resulting in injuries to three officers.

“After receiving a tip-off about Saddam Sardar, we reached his location and tried to apprehend him. However, a mob influenced by his brother Sairul attacked our team during the detention,” SP Dhali said at a press conference.

Sairul reportedly fired several rounds into the air to intimidate the police and facilitate Sardar’s escape. He remains at large.

Following the initial raid, the police returned later that evening and discovered the underwater tunnel beneath Sardar’s residence. “The tunnel, which exits through the back of the house, leads to the canal and allows navigation by boat to the Matla River. From there, escape through the Sunderban delta’s waterways is possible,” an officer explained.

The tunnel, lined with brick and concrete, measures approximately 40 meters in length, 8-10 feet deep, 5-6 feet high, and 4-5 feet wide. It was concealed beneath a cot in an underground room of Sardar’s otherwise ordinary one-story house. The waterway opens into the Matla River, facilitating further escape through creeks towards the Indo-Bangladesh border.

Saddam and Sairul Sardar are accused of defrauding victims by selling fake gold idols. They allegedly attracted buyers through social media with offers of discounted gold idols, only to rob them upon arrival and provide counterfeit items.

Police arrested two female family members, including Saddam’s wife Masuda Sardar and Rabeya Sardar, wife of Sairul Sardar, for their involvement in the assault on law enforcement. A significant police presence is now in place in the village, with ongoing searches to locate Sardar.

GOVERNOR CONCERNED

Bengal Governor CV Anand Bose expressed concern over the discovery of the tunnel, calling it a “national security concern.” He noted, “The existence of the well-planned tunnel leading to a canal and subsequently to the Matla River raises serious national security issues. Such criminal activities, facilitated by political figures, aim to instil fear among law enforcement and obstruct investigations.”

Governor Bose has urged the state government to enhance police effectiveness and uphold the rule of law. He has called for a report on measures taken to address organised crime along international borders.

Meanwhile, BJP senior leader Dilip Ghosh accused Mamata Banerjee of supporting criminals. On his X handle, Ghosh wrote, “Saddam Sardar, involved in numerous crimes, is reportedly blessed by Mamata Banerjee. This pattern of crime and political protection must be addressed.”