Lakshman Seth summoned by CID in fraud case

The state Criminal Investigation Department (CID) issued summons to BJP leader Lakshman Seth for questioning in connection with allegations of fraud associated with ICARE Institute of Medical Sciences & Research, Haldia.

"Seth has been served a notice under 41A CrPC and has been asked to appear for interrogation before the investigating officer of the case at the CID headquarters in Bhabani

Bhavan on Tuesday," a senior CID official said.

The private medical college is run by an NGO associated with Lakshman Seth.

A case of fraud and criminal conspiracy was registered against Seth at Bhabanipur police station in

January this year on the basis of which, the CID took up the investigation of the case.

Seth, who was an MP and an influential CPI(M) leader, was expelled from the party in March 2014. He joined BJP last year.

"The matter is pending before the High Court. So I will not comment on a subjudice matter. I will talk to my lawyers and decide on my next step," Seth said.

A few months back, the Medical Council of India (MCI) had recommended the Centre that the ICARE Institute of Medical Sciences & Research, Haldia should be debarred from admitting candidates for MBBS course for the next two academic years for its failure to provide the required infrastructure despite an undertaking given by the private medical college authorities last year.

As per the recommendations of the MCI, the private medical college would not be able to admit candidates for 100 MBBS seats for 2018-19 academic years.