Marxist MP demands probe into activities of Bengal MP's companies

Alleging that a group of companies owned by a West Bengal MP was involved in "nefarious" activities and "dubious land deals", CPI-M MP Mohammad Salim on Friday demanded a through probe into the matter.

Addressing mediapersons here, Salim said that he has written a series a letters to Union Finance Minister Arun Jaitley, and central agencies including market regulator Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) giving details about the illegal activities of the group which has a presence in healthcare, pharmaceuticals, food-processing, real estate etc.

The SEBI in August barred one of the group companies and its directors from accessing the securities market for illegally raising public money.

Salim alleged that the group fleeced the poor through its illegal collective investment schemes in West Bengal, entered into 'benami' (proxy) transactions and dubious land deals in several other states including Himachal Pradesh.

"Letters have been written to Jaitley who could not ignore the glaring evidence that was sent to him. He has referred the matters to the Himachal government, the Enforcement Directorate, the Central Board of Direct Taxes, and the economic affairs department of the ministry of finance," he said.

"Jaitley said he has examined the matter and the referred it to the various agencies for appropriate action," said Salim showing the finance minister's reply to him.

He also claimed the company was under the scanner of various agencies but due to "political interference", the investigators are being made to look the other way.

"The investigators have long been tracking the companies' nefarious activities but due to changing political equations and interference, their efforts are being frustrated," alleged Salim.

Asked if he would seek for a Central Bureau of Investigation probe into the matter, Salim replied: "The finance minister has given an assurance... I have recently written to the central agencies. I hope they will act. But if they don't, it's the people of the country who will make them act."