CBI arrests WB transport minister Madan Mitra in Saradha scam

In a major blow to Mamata Banerjee-led West Bengal's ruling Trinamool Congress (TMC) government, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) arrested state sports and transport minister Madan Mitra in connection with the multi-crore Saradha chit fund scam on Friday prompting a livid chief minister (CM) to launch a scathing attack on the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).

Mitra, who quit later though Mamata did not accept his resignation, is the first state minister to be arrested in the scam. Mamata dared Prime Minister Narendra Modi to arrest her even as the BJP demanded her resignation. TMC members blocked the road in Mitra's neighbourhood Bhawanipore and also protested outside SSKM Hospital, where he was supposed to be taken after the arrest. TMC protested outside the CBI office as well.

Mitra, who has been summoned by the CBI for interrogation, arrived at the agency's office at CGO Complex, Salt Lake, around 10.55 am. After being questioned for more than five hours, he was arrested for his alleged role in the scam. Mitra, who had been summoned by the CBI on November 15 but skipped interrogation citing health reasons, received anemail from the agency asking
him to appear for questioning.

Amid heavy security, Mitra was later taken to the Electronic Complex police station at New Town. He will be produced in the Alipur court on Saturday. Sources said that Mitra was arrested on charges of criminal conspiracy, cheating, misappropriation of funds and deriving undue financial benefits from the Saradha Group of companies.

CBI sleuths showed him photographs of various events of the Group where he was spotted delivering speeches. Mitra, who reportedly denied involvement in any such activities, was the president of Saradha Group employees' union. According to sources, Mitra and his associates were also seen visiting Saradha Group's Midland Park office at Salt Lake.

The CBI also arrested Naresh Balodia, legal adviser to Saradha chairman Sudipto Sen and the Group on charges of criminal conspiracy, cheating and diversion of funds, on Friday. Dubbing Mitra's arrest as political vendetta, Mamata Banerjee told the media, "The arrest is illegal, unconstitutional, undemocratic and unethical." Defending Mitra, she said, "I cannot allow this. My officers, ministers and the people of Bengal are my assets. Madan has done a lot for the people and for those involved in sports. He always tried to stand by the people. Madan will remain as the state sports and transport minister."

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