The suicide attempt on Friday by suspended Trinamool Congress MP Kunal Ghosh, prime witness in the Sarada scam, evoked allegations of “political conspiracy” against the ruling party in West Bengal.
The Sarada Group collected staggering sums of money from common investors before it collapsed in April 2013. Several TMC leaders are believed to have made financial gains from the scam.
The TMC was seen openly promoting the group. Sudipto Sen, the group’s Chairman and Managing Director, spent large amounts to buy Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee’s paintings, even as party MPs Srinjoy Bose and Madan Mitra were directly involved in Sarada’s operations.
According to Siddharth Nath Singh, BJP national secretary and party leader in charge of political affairs in Bengal, Ghosh’s suicide “reeks of political conspiracy”.
“Many had suspected political motives behind the arrest of Kunal Ghosh because he had started to expose senior TMC leadership’s involvement in Sarada chit fund scam. He had also spoken about his life being in danger under Bengal police custody. A few days back he had threatened to commit suicide if TMC leaders like Mukul Roy and Madan Mitra are not arrested in connection with the scam,” he told BusinessLine .
Singh said while the CBI will follow investigations, what requires public attention is that the Bengal police and prison authorities allowed Ghosh to attempt suicide inside the jail after he had already made public claims to this effect.
Evidence suppression“Since Ghosh is a prime witness in the scam it was imperative for Bengal police to be more alert. His movements should have been closely observed.
“Since it was clearly not done, the question that arises is whether it was suicide attempt or political conspiracy to suppress the evidence. Also, it is important to know how the drugs slipped into his room,” said Singh.
According to CPI(M) central secretariat member Nilotpal Basu, the jail authorities failed to ensure protection to Ghosh.
“Ghosh is not just an accused, he is also a witness in the case.
“He had raised objections to the way investigations are proceedings in the open court and threatened to commit suicide. The jail authorities should have shown utmost care in ensuring protection to him.
“He had questioned about why none of the top leaders of the Trinamool Congress or the Government were brought under the ambit of the investigation. This ponzi scheme affected thousands of crores of common people of the State. The whole conspiracy must be thoroughly investigated,” said Basu.