Senior Cong leader demands CBI probe into SJDA issue

Union Minister of State for Health Abu Hasem Khan Chowdhury today demanded a CBI probe into the charges of misappropriation of funds of Siliguri-Jalpaiguri Development Authority, and described the turn of events following Malda District Magistrate G Kiran Kumar's arrest as "misleading".
In Siliguri, the opposition CPI(M) also called for a CBI probe into the allegations of embezzlement of SJDA funds and said the government was trying to shield those involved.
"There should be a proper inquiry and with the state's whimsical stance and lack of transparency, any such probe has to be entrusted on CBI," Khan Chowdhury said at a press meet here.

Stating that the state's move smacked of dictatorial attitude, he said entire episode of arrest of Kiran Kumar, and Chief Secretary Sanjay Mitra's reaction to it, appeared very confusing and directionless.
In Siliguri, CPI(M) leader Ashok Bhattacharya said only a CBI probe could unravel the truth as the IPS officer was removed when he began the process of netting those involved in the SJDA scandal and the state seemed eager to scuttle investigation by removing Jayaraman. The CPI(M) also brought out a procession in Siliguri.
Kiran Kumar, who was remanded in police custody for four days, was today granted bail by a court in Siliguri.