64 witnesses examined by CBI in Saradha scam: Govt

Central Bureau of Investigation has examined 64 witnesses in connection with its probe in the Saradha chit fund scam in which a Trinamool Congress member of Parliament is also an accused, Lok Sabha was informed on Wednesday.

In a written reply, Minister of State for Personnel Jitendra Singh said three cases in West Bengal and one case in Odisha have been registered by CBI.

"Till July 18, 2014, more than 350 bank accounts in the name of different companies of Saradha Group and more than 160

companies of Saradha Group have been identified.

“The investigation to find out diversion of fund and larger conspiracy is in progress.

“Total 64 witnesses have been examined so far," Singh said.

The minister said after registration of the cases, six accused namely Sudipta Sen, Kunal Gosh, Somnath Dutta, Manoj Nagel, Arvind Chowhan, and Debjani Mukherjee were shown arrested.

"The investigation of these cases, though at initial stage, is being carried out expeditiously," Singh said.