Asansol (August 10,2023) : Justice of the CBI Special Court in Bardhaman, Rajesh Bindal, on Wednesday asked Trinamool Congress leader Anubrata Mondal about his health during a hearing in a coal smuggling case. Mondal, who is currently out on bail, appeared in court through video conferencing. He told the court that he was suffering from diabetes and hypertension. He also said that he was undergoing treatment for the same.
Justice Bindal asked Mondal to take care of his health and to inform the court if his condition worsened. He also asked the CBI to submit a report on Mondal's health to the court. The hearing in the coal smuggling case was adjourned till August 17.
The CBI is probing Mondal for his alleged involvement in a coal smuggling racket in the Birbhum district of West Bengal. He has been accused of allowing illegal mining and transportation of coal in the area. Mondal is a senior TMC leader and is considered to be close to Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee. He is also the president of the TMC's Birbhum district unit. The CBI had arrested Mondal in February 2022. He was granted bail by the Calcutta High Court in April 2022.
The case against Mondal is being closely watched as it is seen as a test case for the TMC government in West Bengal. The TMC has been accused of shielding Mondal and other party leaders who are facing corruption charges. The court's decision to ask Mondal about his health is seen as a positive development. It shows that the court is concerned about his health and is taking steps to ensure that he gets proper treatment.