Narada sting case: Calcutta HC directs CBI to continue probe against TMC's Aparupa Poddar

Kolkata: The Calcutta High Court on Friday directed to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) to continue probe in Narada sting case against Trinamool Congress leader Aparupa Poddar.

The HC's order passed its order while hearing Poddar's petition seeking quashing of CBI FIR in the Narada sting case.

Poddar's counsel had claimed before Justice Joymalyo Bagchi that the investigating agency had not asked the MP about her version with regard to the alleged sting wherein a person "resembling her" is shown to be allegedly receiving money for favours.

Meanwhile, the Enforcement Directorate has registered money laundering case in Narada sting case, allegedly involving Trinamool Congress leaders.

In the sting operation, which was claimed to have been done in 2014, persons resembling senior TMC leaders are seen purportedly accepting money from representatives of a fictitious company in return for favours.

EC's action comes after the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) last week filed an FIR against 13 people, including senior TMC leaders who were purportedly seen taking money, in the Narada case.

The Calcutta High Court had ordered the CBI to conduct a preliminary inquiry into the matter. The order was challenged by the West Bengal government in the Supreme Court, which refused to grant relief on March 17 and gave the CBI one month to conclude the preliminary probe and file a FIR, if required.

The Narada controversy erupted in election-bound West Bengal in March last year when Narada News portal uploaded video footage purportedly showing the Trinamool leaders receiving money in exchange of favours to a fictitious company.