'Bengal government putting obstacles in Saradha probe to save Trinamool'

West Bengal's opposition Left Front chairman Biman Bose Thursday alleged that the state government was putting obstacles in the Enforcement Directorate probe into the Saradha chit fund scandal as it was afraid that skeletons would tumble out of the ruling Trinamool Congress's cupboard.

"What is the problem if the ED quizzes somebody, or checks lockers and bank accounts? Is the problem due to fears that skeletons might tumble out?" Bose told media persons here.

Referring to allegations that Saradha scam mastermind Sudipta Sen had purchased a painting of Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee for Rs.1.86 crore, Bose said: "The money was paid from the Sen family's joint account. If such things come out, some people may be in trouble."

"Is this the deep mystery behind the government's activities?

With the Bidhannagar police commissionerate breaking open a locker of Sudipta Sen's wife Piyali earlier this week after the ED sought the bank's permission to see its contents, Bose said: "The question is why the locker was not opened earlier. When the ED wanted to check the locker, the police immediately moved the court and tried to stop the ED."

Bose asked why there is so much planning on behalf of the government. "Is it then the case that the Trinamool government and party is closely associated with the Saradha scam?