Anubrata Mondal's daughter Sukanya gets bail in cattle smuggling case

The Delhi High Court on Tuesday granted bail to Sukanya Mondal, daughter of Trinamool Congress (TMC) leader Anubrata Mondal, in connection with a money laundering case related to an alleged cattle smuggling racket in West Bengal. Sukanya, who was arrested by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) on April 26, 2023, had her bail application previously dismissed by a trial court in June.

A bench led by Justice Neena Bansal Krishna granted her bail, citing the potential length of the trial and noting that as a woman, Sukanya is entitled to bail under Section 45 of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA). The court emphasized the special consideration given to women under the PMLA's provisions.

As part of the bail conditions, Sukanya must furnish a personal bond of Rs 10 lakh, provide surety for the same amount, and be prohibited from leaving the country without court permission. Additionally, she has been directed to refrain from influencing witnesses or tampering with evidence.

Sukanya Mondal’s father, Anubrata Mondal, remains in judicial custody in the same case. Both are accused of involvement in a multi-crore cattle smuggling ring, with allegations that the operation was conducted through West Bengal’s Birbhum district, where cattle were illegally transported to Bangladesh. The case is currently being investigated by both the CBI and the ED.