Mamata too involved in Saradha scam, should be replaced as Bengal CM: Kunal Ghosh

Kolkata, Jan 28: Suspended Trinamool Congress MP Kunal Ghosh on Wednesday said he will not get justice unless all those involved in the Saradha scam are arrested, and called for replacing Mamata Banerjee as the West Bengal chief minister.

Behind bars since November 2013 for his alleged complicity in the multi-crore-rupee chit fund scam, Ghosh, who has repeatedly alleged the involvement of his party leaders, called for their interrogation by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) which is probing the scandal.

"Those suspected of being involved in the scam should resign. They should face investigation. Till then, (Panchayat minister) Subrata Mukherjee can function as the chief minister," Ghosh said while coming out of a city court.

The former media head of the Saradha group has repeatedly alleged the involvement of Banerjee in the scam. He has also called for joint interrogation of the Trinamool supremo along with Saradha chief and scam kingpin Sudipta Sen.

During the day, Ghosh urged the court of metropolitan magistrate Arvind Mishra not to start the trial until all those involved in the scam are arrested and the CBI completes its probe.

Ghosh pleaded before the court to defer the trial as a lot of "influential personalities" were involved and unless they are arrested, he will not get justice.

His comments come ahead of the appearance of Trinamool general secretary and former railways minister Mukul Roy before the CBI for questioning Friday.

The CBI has also arrested Rajya Sabha member Srinjoy Bose, state transport minister Madan Mitra and party leader and former IPS officer Rajat Majumdar among others in the case.

Ghosh also accused police of discrimination, saying other "influential people" arrested in the case were enjoying undue benefits.

"If others are taken to the court in a police jeep, why should I be taken in a prison van? Why I am not allowed to talk on mobile like others," Ghosh told media persons, referring to Madan Mitra who was taken to court in a police jeep.

The CBI had earlier urged the court to direct the authorities for strict adherence of the jail code, and claimed Mitra was accorded undue benefits in jail including use of mobile phones.

IANS