Saradha funded Messi match, confirms probe

THE SARADHA FOOTPRINT

NEW DELHI: A government agency that tracks corporate frauds has called for a CBI probe against West Bengal sports minister Madan Mitra and Kolkata police chief Surajit Kar Purkayastha, among others in the multi-crore Saradha scandal.

In its 516-page report, accessed by HT, the serious fraud investigation office (SFIO), has recommended the CBI “take further action” on allegations against Mitra, a close aide of chief minister Mamata Banerjee, and Purakayasta.

An investigative arm of the ministry of corporate affairs, the SFIO based its report on depositions of suspended Trinamool Congress Rajya Sabha MP Kunal Ghosh, who is behind bars.

“While the evidence is not sufficient to frame any charge, however, since the CBI is looking into the larger conspiracy angle of the Saradha scam, it

SIZE OF THE SCAM

is recommended the matter be referred to CBI for necessary investigation and further action at its end,” said the report.

Ghosh has submitted some pictures that show Mitra and Purakayasta at various Saradha group events. Also, Ghosh “has affirmed that very high-profile personalities drawn from politics and bureaucracy were associated with the Saradha group publicly and shared stage with

THE CHEAT FUND

Sudipta Sen”, said the report.

Moreover, Saradha group chairman Sen, who has since been arrested, claimed he had bought a Ferrari for Mitra’s son while Mitra allegedly took money from Sen to repair temples in his constituency and to hold a football match, involving Argentine soc cer star Lionel Messi.