Leader of Opposition Surjya Kanta Mishra today welcomed the Supreme Court’s order asking the CBI to probe the multi-crore Saradha scam.
According to him, while the decision was in line with the long standing demand by the CPI(M)-led Left Front, the focus of the probe should be not just on recovering the money but also bring to forefront those involved in the scam.
“We need to know where the money has gone and who benefited from it. The poor must get back their money. But it is interesting what the State Government says, now that their arrogance has been quashed by the apex court,” he told a private news channel.
Saradha Group that had mobilised deposits worth a few thousand crore though ponzi schemes went bust in April last year. The Group Chairman was later arrested by the West Bengal police and has since then been in police custody.
Mishra, however, added that it was to be seen whether the CBI probe would be carried out under the Supreme Court's supervision or not.
“We had appealed that the probe be carried out under the Supreme Court supervision. However, we have not yet received a copy of the court’s order,” he said.
Left Front Chairman, Biman Bose, however, added during a press meet that the accused needs to be arrested “immediately” to ensure a free and fair probe.
“Interim relief needs to be provided by confiscating the properties of Saradha and ensuring that funds are returned,” he said.
Congress reaction
Meanwhile, senior Congress leader Abdul Mannan welcomed the decision.
The Congress leader was among those who had filed a public interest litigation in the Supreme Court seeking a CBI probe into the Saradha scam.
“I felt compelled to fight for those duped and hence I filed the PIL seeking justice. Now I’m happy that a CBI probe was ordered into the matter,” he said.
Mannan is the Congress candidate from Sreerampore Parliamentary Constituency. Elections in Sreerampore were held on April 30.