‘Need asset details of Narada accused’

Kolkata: In a tactical move, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) wrote to the Election Commission of India (ECI) for income details of the dozen Trinamul Congress leaders who have been accused in the case of the Narada sting operation. 

The CBI’s step came after Trinamul MP Sultan Ahmed reportedly claimed during his questioning by the anti-corruption branch that he took the money from Narada CEO Mathew Samuel to foot election-related expenses. 

To verify his version, the CBI sought the help of the central poll panel, which has the details of assets and properties of all the candidates contesting the Assembly and Lok Sabha Elections, according to sources. 

The ECI is expected to hand over income details of the 12 Trinamul leaders, most of whom either are MLAs or MPs. Mr Ahmed has also been asked to submit the statement of his bank accounts and transactions, sources revealed.

The CBI so far questioned Mr Ahmed, Trinamul MP Kakoli Ghosh Dastidar and Mr Ahmed’s brother Iqbal Ahmed, a Trinamul MLA and the Kolkata deputy mayor.

TMC MP Sougata Roy, Kolkata Municipal Corporation mayor Sovan Chatterjee and TMC MLA from Ballugunge Subrata Mukherjee were summoned by the CBI but  skipped appearances.