Kolkata: Accusing Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee of shielding those in the know about the Saradha chit fund scam, suspended Trinamool Congress MP Kunal Ghosh — now under arrest for his alleged involvement in the scandal — Tuesday expressed doubts over scam kingpin Sudipta Sen’s claim that he had not purchased any of her paintings.
“The chief minister, the government, are all trying to shield those in the know,” Ghosh said, interacting with reporters when he was produced in the court during the day.
Ghosh said he met Sen at the Alipore Central Jail on three consecutive days starting April 10.
“I expressed my curiosity regarding the paintings. He gave me some answers. His statement which I read in the papers today, is not tallying with what he told me then,” he said, However, Ghosh refused to share what Sen specifically told him with the media.
“What he had told me then, I don’t want to discuss with the media. But he did not mention the specific amount which is being discussed now.”
There was high drama after police tried to prevent Ghosh from taking to the media again as he was being taken out of the court. Ghosh protested and sat on the floor saying he would not move if he was not allowed to talk to the media.
As police forced Ghosh to board the van he was heard shouting: “Police are destroying all evidences. Even today, they held a long meeting with Sudipta Sen.”
Bharatiya Janata Party prime ministerial nominee Narendra Modi, addressing an election rally Sunday at Sreerampore of Hooghly district, raised questions about one of Banerjee’s paintings being sold for Rs18bn.
IANS
