Saradha scam: Painter Shuvaprasanna submits documents to CBI

Eminent painter Shuvaprasanna Bhattacharya known to be close to the Trinamool Congress leadership Wednesday submitted certain documents to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) which is probing the multi-crore rupee Saradha scam.

Bhattacharya known for his proximity to West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee submitted documents related to a TV channel that he sold to the Saradha Group.

"Contrary to media reports, I have not been summoned by the CBI. I was asked to furnish documents about a TV channel which I owned earlier. My representative today (Wednesday) submitted the relevant documents (to the CBI)," Bhattacharya told IANS.

Bhattacharya earlier had furnished documents about TV channel Akhon Samay to the Enforcement Directorate which too is probing the scam.

Despite the channel never going on air, Bhattacharya allegedly sold it to Saradha chief and scam kingpin Sudipta Sen at an inflated price in 2011.

Rubbishing the allegations, Bhattacharya said he was being targeted by the central agencies because of his proximity to the West Bengal's ruling party.

"CBI's independence or the lack of it is well known. I don't have to add anything. I am being targeted by the central agencies only because I am close to Mamata and the Trinamool," added Bhattacharya.