CBI plotting to shift Saradha probe out of Bengal
16 Dec 2014 12:43 AM GMT
Sensing trouble following the statewide protest against the arrest of West Bengal Transport Minister Madan Mitra, CBI is contemplating to shift the multi-crore Saradha chit fund scam to some other state. Ever since Mitra was arrested, incidents of protests are gaining momentum in the state, which might create hurdles before the CBI’s special investigation team to continue with their probe effectively. “Therefore, there was a discussion among superior officers to shift the case to other states,” CBI sources said.
On the context of naming the state where the probe agency is considering to shift the case, CBI sources said: “Nothing has been finalized but talks are on to shift the case either to Odisha or to Assam.” It was also learnt that CBI had received an Intelligence report from the Centre that while production of high profile “accused” before the court, there might be incidents of attack. “A large number of supporters are gathering during production of accused in courts and security of accused persons and investigation team is important.
“We are receiving worrying inputs over security of the accused as well to our officers. Therefore, talks are on to shift the case to other state,” sources said.
It was learnt that the agency will decide the course of action after a meeting with senior officers later this week. “We will also approach the Supreme Court in the matter,” sources added.
The Saradha chit fund team comprises around 40 officers of CBI who are only concentrating on the ponzi scheme-related cases.
During the court production of Mitra, thousands of his supporters squatted in front of the court complex and several of them surrounded the SUV in which the minister and a CBI officer were sitting.
“The crowd went berserk and out of control. We have requested the West Bengal police administration for additional forces next time when the minister will again be produced on December 16,” Central Bureau of Investigation sources said.
On the context of naming the state where the probe agency is considering to shift the case, CBI sources said: “Nothing has been finalized but talks are on to shift the case either to Odisha or to Assam.” It was also learnt that CBI had received an Intelligence report from the Centre that while production of high profile “accused” before the court, there might be incidents of attack. “A large number of supporters are gathering during production of accused in courts and security of accused persons and investigation team is important.
“We are receiving worrying inputs over security of the accused as well to our officers. Therefore, talks are on to shift the case to other state,” sources said.
It was learnt that the agency will decide the course of action after a meeting with senior officers later this week. “We will also approach the Supreme Court in the matter,” sources added.
The Saradha chit fund team comprises around 40 officers of CBI who are only concentrating on the ponzi scheme-related cases.
During the court production of Mitra, thousands of his supporters squatted in front of the court complex and several of them surrounded the SUV in which the minister and a CBI officer were sitting.
“The crowd went berserk and out of control. We have requested the West Bengal police administration for additional forces next time when the minister will again be produced on December 16,” Central Bureau of Investigation sources said.
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