The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) sources claimed that a day after West Bengal Chief Minister and Trinamool Congress supremo Mamata Banerjee expressed her solidarity with TMC leader Anubrata Mondal, the Birbhum strongman is not cooperating in his questioning in connection with the multi-crore cattle smuggling scam.
The CBI is probing cattle smuggling scam. Mondal was arrested by the central probe agency on August 12 for allegedly not cooperating with its probe into a cattle smuggling case.
IANS report stated that Mondal was informed by his counsel about Banerjee’s stand, following which he went on a total non-cooperation mode during the probe. Sources said prior to Banerjee’s message that her support towards Mondal continues, he was quite devastated since his arrest.
The TMC Birbhum district president informed the mediapersons through his counsel on August 15 that he was confident that the “supreme leader would be beside him in this moment of crisis”.
Speaking at a public function in Behala on August 14, Banerjee slammed the BJP-led central government and questioned the reason behind the CBI arrest of Anubrata Mondal.
“Without evidence, how can you accuse a person,” the TMC supremo said.
“Why was Keshto (Anubrata Mondal) arrested? What did he do?” She went on to question further thus indicating her strong backing for the TMC district president.
Banerjee accused the BJP of using the central investigating agencies to malign the TMC government in Bengal and also carrying out an agenda to “destroy her image”.
“This is being done as (they know) Narendra Modi will not win in 2024,” she exhorted during the event in Behala.
“Why have they arrested Mondal? What has he done? I have no objections to central agencies probing genuine cases. The Union government has always been against Mondal. During every election, he is kept under house arrest. His arrest will give birth to thousands of Mondals,” Banerjee added.
CPI(M) and Congress have also took the opportunity to attack the TMC regime after Banerjee extended support to Mondal.
“The Chief Minister’s comments are a clear signal that the party will back those who will be involved in unethical activities,” CPI(M) central committee member Md Salim said.
