BJP, CPI (M) demand CBI probe into Saradha scam

Left party wants probe to be monitored by Supreme Court Even as the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) reiterated that if it comes to power the party will initiate a probe by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) into the Saradha Group scam, former State Finance Minister Asim Dasgupta of the CPI (M), said the probe should be under the supervision of the Supreme Court. Wondering why the Trinamool Congress government was opposing a probe by the CBI, BJP national general secretary and MP Anant Kumar said, “If she does not answer the question, she is betraying the poor (investors who lost their savings,” he added. Describing the Saradha scam, as one of the biggest financial swindles to have rocked the State since Independence, Mr. Dasgupta said priority should be given to attachment of properties of the Saradha Group. Money to duped investors should be paid from the proceeds of the sale of such properties and not from the State coffers. The former Finance Minister accused the State government of shielding the family members of the prime accused in the Saradha scam when it should be protecting the interests of the depositors. On the Trinamool Congress claim that Ponzi schemes mushroomed during the regime of the previous Left Front regime, Mr. Dasgupta said that it was on the basis a complaint filed during the Left Front regime that the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) had stopped the operation of companies like Saradha Group. Though he admitted that Saradha Group started operating in 2007-08, he said the Left Front government had passed legislation to rein in such companies, but the Centre had not accorded assent to the legislation. Investors attacked Meanwhile, investors who have lost their savings to the Saradha Group were attacked by local Trinamool Congress leaders and supporters in the State’s South 24 Parganas after they blocked a local train. Local television channels aired television footage of the attack. At least, two local leaders of the Trinamool Congress of Garia- Sonarpur area were present at the spot when the incident occurred. The incident sparked a strong criticism from parties in the Opposition. Naxal ideologue Asim Chaterjee, convenor of Chit funds Sufferers Unity Forum, condemned the incident stating that it was a token protest and the Trinamool Congress had attacked the protesters in the manner feudal lords would target those opposing them. A complaint was registered at the Sonarpur Police station later by the protesters.