Saradha scam: Madan Mitra alleges political conspiracy behind arrest

West Bengal Transport Minister Madan Mitra, who was arrested by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) on Friday in connection with the Saradha chit-fund scam, alleged on Saturday that he was the victim of a political conspiracy.

"Whatever has to be said has already been told by Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee. But it is apparent that I am a victim of political conspiracy. I have nothing to say beyond what the Chief Minister has said," said Mitra. Mitra, who was produced in court earlier on Saturday, has been remanded to CBI custody till December 16.

Taking strong exception to Mitra's arrest in connection with the multi-crore scam, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee had on Friday termed his arrest 'illegal and unconstitutional'. His arrest came as a major setback for the West Bengal government as the CBI had last month also arrested Trinamool Congress (TMC) Member of Parliament Srinjoy Bose in connection with the scam.