 "Mamata trying to save culprits of Saradha scam: Kunal Ghosh")
As Trinamool Congress faced the heat on the Saradha multi-crore scam, Rajya Sabha MP Kunal Ghosh, who was arrested in the case, today alleged that West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee was trying to save the culprits.
"The Chief Minister is trying to save those involved in the Saradha scam," Ghosh, who was suspended by the TMC, said outside the Salt Lake SDJM court lock-up before being produced in connection with one of the several cases pending against him.
He also claimed that state transport minister Madan Mitra should have been summoned in connection with the scam.
"I had a chance to meet him in lock up during the hearing of a case and had asked him about the paintings, which became an election issue. But what he had told me is different from his statement yesterday," Ghosh claimed, adding that he would not "disclose" anything at this stage.
Sen had yesterday told newspersons when being produced before the Justice Shyamal Sen Commission of Enquiry into the scam that he had not bought any painting of the chief minister. Sen was asked whether he had bought a painting by the chief minister for Rs 1.8 crore.
BJP's prime ministerial candidate Narendra Modi had alleged that a painting by the Trinamool Congress supremo had sold for a staggering Rs 1.8 crore and asked who had bought her painting for such a huge amount.
Ghosh, who was also the CEO of Saradha Group's media arm, was arrested on November 23 last by Bidhannagar Police.
"The Chief Minister is trying to save those involved in the Saradha scam," Ghosh, who was suspended by the TMC, said outside the Salt Lake SDJM court lock-up before being produced in connection with one of the several cases pending against him.
He also claimed that state transport minister Madan Mitra should have been summoned in connection with the scam.
Also Read
On the controversy over a painting of Banerjee being allegedly bought by Saradha Group chief Sudipta Sen, Ghosh said, "He (Sudipta) is changing his position on the issue."
"I had a chance to meet him in lock up during the hearing of a case and had asked him about the paintings, which became an election issue. But what he had told me is different from his statement yesterday," Ghosh claimed, adding that he would not "disclose" anything at this stage.
Sen had yesterday told newspersons when being produced before the Justice Shyamal Sen Commission of Enquiry into the scam that he had not bought any painting of the chief minister. Sen was asked whether he had bought a painting by the chief minister for Rs 1.8 crore.
BJP's prime ministerial candidate Narendra Modi had alleged that a painting by the Trinamool Congress supremo had sold for a staggering Rs 1.8 crore and asked who had bought her painting for such a huge amount.
Ghosh, who was also the CEO of Saradha Group's media arm, was arrested on November 23 last by Bidhannagar Police.
You’ve reached your limit of {{free_limit}} free articles this month.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
Already subscribed? Log in
Subscribe to read the full story →*Subscribe to Business Standard digital and get complimentary access to The New York Times
Smart Quarterly
₹900
3 Months
₹300/Month
SAVE 25%
Smart Essential
₹2,700
1 Year
₹225/Month
SAVE 46%
*Complimentary New York Times access for the 2nd year will be given after 12 months
Super Saver
₹3,900
2 Years
₹162/Month
Subscribe
Renews automatically, cancel anytime
Here’s what’s included in our digital subscription plans
Exclusive premium stories online
Over 30 premium stories daily, handpicked by our editors
Complimentary Access to The New York Times
News, Games, Cooking, Audio, Wirecutter & The Athletic
Business Standard Epaper
Digital replica of our daily newspaper — with options to read, save, and share
Curated Newsletters
Insights on markets, finance, politics, tech, and more delivered to your inbox
Market Analysis & Investment Insights
In-depth market analysis & insights with access to The Smart Investor
Archives
Repository of articles and publications dating back to 1997
Ad-free Reading
Uninterrupted reading experience with no advertisements
Seamless Access Across All Devices
Access Business Standard across devices — mobile, tablet, or PC, via web or app
SAVE 25%