CBI probe into Saradha scam gain credence ahead of poll

The state government's counsel had sought two months to file the fresh affidavit, which was promptly turned down by SC

Thechit-fund scam involving Bengal's Saradha Group appears to behaunting the Trinamool Congress (TMC) ahead of the Lok Sabha pollswith the possibility of CBI (Central Bureau of Investigation) probenow gaining credence.

OnWednesday, the Supreme Court pulled up the TMC-led state governmentfor not investigating into claims of "larger conspiracy"and beneficiaries of the scam. The court also directed the Bengalgovernment to file a fresh affidavit within 10 days. The stategovernment's counsel had sought two months to file the freshaffidavit, which was promptly turned down.

Accordingto political experts, since the Supreme Court is expected to take upthe matter again on April 9, 2014 – only a few days before thegeneral election – any direction to involve CBI in theinvestigation could result in a setback for TMC.

Criticisingthe earlier affidavit filed by the state government, the SupremeCourt said, "We need to know whether the probe is progressing onthe right track." It also indicated that if the fresh affidavitfails to satisfy the court, it may recommend a CBI enquiry.

Aspecial investigation team (SIT) set up by the state government hasbeen probing the case since the Saradha scam came into light. TMC'spolitical oppositions have been demanding for a CBI probe for quitesometimes now as they feel that many of the senior leaders of TMC hadclose links with Saradha promoter Sudipta Sen. In fact, former TMC MPKunal Ghosh is already in jail and is being tried by the local courtfor his alleged involvement into the scam.

TMC'soppositions now believe that a CBI probe will happen sooner thanlater and will provide them with ammunition to combat TMC in theupcoming polls.

TheSupreme Court is also hearing public interest litigations (PILs) –filed by advocates Pratim Kumar Sigha Ray and Abu Abbasuddin, and byanother advocate Subrata Chattoraj – that sought CBI enquiry intothe scam. TMC government has so far been opposing such a move.