CID notice to BJP leader in fraud case

Kolkata: The state criminal investigation department (CID) on Thursday sent a notice to BJP state committee leader and former Basirhat MLA Shamik Bhattacharya for questioning in connection with a fraud case, in which sleuths had arrested a BJP district leader on Wednesday. 

Mr Bhattacharya has been asked to appear at the CID headquarters in Bhabani Bhavan on Friday at 12 noon. “Information collected so far indicates that you are well acquainted with the facts and circumstances of the case initiated at Basirhat police station under section 420 (cheating and dishonesty) and 406 (criminal breach of trust) of IPC. Hence, your statement is urgently required for the interest of investigation of the case,” the summon notice under section 160 of CrpC read. 

CID had arrested one Ranajit Paul on Wednesday, who had allegedly collected money from people in the name of the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojna (PMAY), by assuring them a house. He had collected money to the tune of several lakhs from villagers by promising each of them a house under PMAY. A compliant was lodged at Basirhat police station by some villagers on June 6.

Mr Bhattacharya refused to comment on the summons. BJP state president Dilip Ghosh said, “BJP has no connections in this issue. Our district president has already been questioned by CID. Mr Bhattacharya had been the MLA of Basirhat. The sleuths may have something to ask him.”