Saradha scam: CBI summons TMC’s Adhikari, CPI-M’s Deb

The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has summoned Trinamool Congress MP Suvendu Adhikari and CPI-M leader Rabin Deb in relation of the multi-crore Saradha scam. Deb, will be the first CPI(M) leader to be questioned by the central agency.

Sources aware of the matter said that the CPI(M) leader might be questioned on his role regarding the sale of a television channel to the Saradha group.

Sources indicate that Deb is said to have expressed his inability to be present immediately citing prior commitments.

Meanwhile, Suvendu Adhikari, TMC MP confirmed to

BusinessLine that he has received a call from the CBI office. “I spoke with the CBI. But have not received anything in writing from them so far. I am willing to cooperate in all regards,” he maintained.

Adhikari is likely to be questioned in relation to allegations of complicity levelled against him by a former party colleague.

Earlier, the central agency had also grilled TMC MP, Srinjoy Bose.

The Saradha Group, involved in various money collection and Ponzi schemes went bust in April 2013, after duping thousands of depositors in West Bengal, Assam, Odisha and Bihar.

Group Chairman Sudipta Sen was arrested later that month by the West Bengal police. A few months later, TMC MP Kunal Ghosh — who headed the media ventures of the Group — was put behind bars.

The CBI, which took over the probe in May this year, following a Supreme Court order, has made four arrests — three in West Bengal and one from Assam — in the matter.