CBI takes custody of Didi paintings sold to bizmen

Tribune News Service

Kolkata, November 10

The CBI is taking into its own custody paintings by West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee that were sold to Kolkata businessmen.

Earlier, the investigation agency had taken into custody 10 paintings from tainted businessman Shivaji Panja. Recently, it got hold of seven paintings by Mamata Banerjee from the office of the chit fund scam accused Rose Valley Corporation.

The CBI maintains that the paintings in question have been confiscated in connection with their investigations into the Sarada and Rose Valley scams. The paintings may be produced in the court as evidence. The CBI is also getting the value of the paintings ascertained by experts. The paintings were purchased by the businessmen concerned by paying very high prices.

The ruling Trinamool Congress (TMC) of West Bengal, however, claims that fund generated from selling the paintings had been spent for the welfare of common people. A part of the funds have been diverted to Chief Minister’s Relief Fund too, they say.