TMC leader Mandal arrested in cattle smuggling case
| Date :12-Aug-2022 |
BOLPUR (WB),
SENIOR Trinamool Congress leader Anubrata Mandal was on Thursday arrested by the CBI from his residence here in connection with a cattle smuggling case, after twice skipping his scheduled appearance before the central probe agency in three days, an official said. The CBI served a notice to Mandal under Section 41 of CrPC before arresting him for allegedly not cooperating in its probe into the scam, he said.
Earlier in the day, a CBI team comprising at least eight officers along with personnel of central forces reached the Birbhum district president’s residence around 10 am, and conducted a search operation, as part of the investigation.
Mandal was grilled in a room on the second floor of his residence for almost an hour, the official said. “We have arrested him for non-cooperation in the investigation into the cattle smuggling case. We have found Mandal’s direct involvement in the scam. We will question him today and take necessary action as per law,” he told PTI. Mandal had skipped his scheduled appearance on Monday and Wednesday, citing ill-health. The official said the CBI would also question the doctor of a Bolpur hospital who had prescribed Mondal bed rest for 14 days. Sleuths of the probe agency are conducting raids at residences of several close associates of the TMC leader as well, the official added.
Meanwhile, the ruling TMC said the party was keeping a close watch on the situation. “The party will take an appropriate decision at the right time. But, we want to make it clear that TMC will not compromise on any instance of corruption,” MP Santanu Sen said.
Sen added that the party has “zero tolerance” on corruption and wrongdoings.
Meanwhile, a special CBI court in West Bengal’s Asansol town remanded TMC Mandal in 10-day custody of the central agency in connection with a cattle smuggling case. The special CBI court judge remanded Mandal in CBI custody till August 20 on a prayer by the investigating agency. The TMC leader’s lawyer said no bail prayer was moved by him. On the allegation that Mandal was not cooperating with the agency’s investigation, the lawyer said that an accused has the right to remain silent and that whatever he has to say will come up during the trial.
Mandal had allegedly provided protection to smugglers in return for regular payments, officials said.
The CBI has alleged that Vikas Mishra, brother of absconding TMC leader Vinay Mishra, and Mandal provided protection to associates of alleged cattle smuggler Enamul Haq who used to buy animals at a market in Ilambazar, officials said.