ED closes in on two Trinamool leaders in Saradha scam

KOLKATA: The Enforcement Directorate has identified two persons close to the ruling Trinamool Congress, who were 'cogs in the wheel' in the secret money transfers. The central investigating agency has gathered substantive evidence against the duo, say sources.

Investigators have long been looking into the role of a Trinamool leader from Salt Lake, who has links with Dubai. He is under the scanner for sending money to 'some accounts' in Sharjah through hawala channels. The leader, with business links in at least two countries, was allegedly seen in Dubai along with Trinamool Rajya Sabha MP Kunal Ghosh. Interestingly, this leader's name was mentioned in Ghosh's 'tell-all CD' that became public after he was arrested.

"We will arrest someone only when we get conclusive proof against that person," said an ED official. During interrogation of Sudipta Sen's second wife Piyali and his son Subhojit, ED officials have come across new documents and facts about the co- mpanies they were heading.

ED unearthed new facts about media ventures of the Saradha Group, and has zeroed in on the role played by some Trinamool leaders in money laundering, say sources. According to sleuths, the Salt Lake-based Trinamool leader has long been accused of links with hawala channels and was investigated earlier, too.

Investigators have also noticed that Sudipta undersold the Saradha Group news channel. Sen had bought Channel 10 for Rs 30 crore but alleged that he was forced to sell it for a far lower price. Investigators are looking into the role of the Salt Lake leader in the buy-and-sell episodes of Saradha media arms.

Investigators have come across another suspect, who headed Sen's Baruipur collection. This person is now actively involved with Trinamool activities in Birbhum, and has been interrogated by ED with regard to overseas events sponsored by Saradha Group, say sources.

ED is also examining a complaint made by employees of Devkripa Vyapar Ltd, led by thespian Arpita Ghosh, who is contesting Balurghat Lok Sabha seat on a Trinamool ticket. In the complaint at Electronics Complex police station in April 16, 2013, Arpita accused Sen of "defrauding and cheating the employees of legitimate dues". She expressed concern over the sudden disappearance of Sen, who was the "sole signatory" of all bank transactions. ED has issued a summons to Arpita, who will depose after the elections.