Saradha scam case: Mitra points finger at three CPM netas

KOLKATA: Sent to jail till January 2, transport minister Madan Mitra gave a political twist to the inquiry over the Saradha scam by accusing three CPM leaders of having a hand in the muddle. While coming out of CBI custody on way to Alipore court, the minister named Mohammed Selim, Rabin Deb and Sujan Chakraborty.
“I have named Mohammed Selim, Rabin Deb and Sujan Chakraborty during interrogation.But the CBI isn’t taking them in custody because they belong to CPM,” Mitra said, voicing the party scripted “political vendetta” charge against the central investigating agency.
Meanwhile, two more Trinamool Congress leaders, including Trinamool Chhatra Parishad leader Shankudeb Panda, have come under the scanner of investigating agencies for their involvement in the Saradha scam. Enforcement Directorate has decided to summon Panda in connection with some bank transactions from Saradha accounts.
When produced at Alipore court later, the state transport minister elaborated on the theme but stopped short of taking the names of CPM leaders. “Someone from CBI came to my room with a machine. I was then alone in the room. He told me that he had come to collect my voice sample. I told him that I won’t. There is a court order. He said there is an order from the Supreme Court. They (CBI) are saying that a total 26 lakh people parked their money in Saradha schemes on my assurance. They say I influenced them through my speeches in favour of the Saradha Group. The fact is that not a single investor has complained against me over the last one year ,” the minister said.
While opposing his bail plea, CBI lawyer Partha Sarathi Datta submitted to the court that Mitra is an influential person as was evident from what happened on the court premises for the last two days. He might use his influence to tamper evidence if he is released on bail. Citing the Supreme Court order, the CBI lawyer argued that the agency was looking into the larger conspiracy. “During interrogation, we have got some facts that need to be verified. As we don’t need him in police custody at present, we are praying for a 14-day judicial custody. We also seek the court’s permission to interrogate him in jail if needed,” the CBI lawyer said.
Mitra’s defence counsel Ashoke Mukherjee opposed the CBI’s argument. “A person’s holding a powerful position doesn’t necessarily imply that he would tamper evidence if released on bail,” Mukherjee said. The defence counsel pointed out that Mitra was summoned under a section of the Criminal Procedure Code — section 160 — which doesn’t have the arrest provision. Yet, the minister was detained for the whole day and declared arrested without asking him a single question. “We are finding a larger conspiracy here. CBI has filed as many as 60 cases and named nine accused in two chargesheets. Surprisingly, Madan’s name doesn’t figure in any of them,” said Mukherjee. The defence counsel also pointed to Mitra’s multiple ailments.