CBI lens on bank a/cs of Tehatta MLA’s ex-aide

Kolkata: CBI, during its investigation into the alleged network to provide jobs for cash, has turned its attention to at least six accounts belonging to Prabir Kayal, the former personal assistant of Tehatta MLA Tapas Saha. The agency is also looking into Saha’s properties and bank accounts.According to consecutive affidavits filed with the EC, the MLA has not filed income tax returns in the past 10 years. However, Saha has at least five bank accounts and the total value of his declared assets is more than Rs 20 lakh. He also has four parcels of non-agricultural land. Sources said the MLA had told CBI officials he had inherited properties in Betai, Tehatta.CBI officers on Saturday had visited the residence of Iti Sarkar, a Trinamool leader at Tehatta. It was alleged that Sarkar was given the job to supply school uniforms. “He (Saha) is my father’s age and an uncle to me. He calls my husband jamai (son in law),” Sarkar said on Sunday. “Those who support me, their images are being tarnished every day,” Saha said. Their statements came in the backdrop of Tehatta resident and local BJP worker Ratan Bhuniya being arrested on Sunday for making obscene remarks on social media about Saha and Sarkar.After the CBI team left his home on Saturday, Saha arranged a feast at his home, a photograph of which soon went viral. Saha said he had invited party workers for Eid celebrations.The agency alleged that Kayal, the second accused in the FIR lodged by CBI, was reportedly paid a salary of Rs 12,000 by the MLA and had amassed money from job aspirants to multiple government departm-ents. Saha, who was also being investigated by the anti-corruption branch of West Bengal Police, has however denied issuing any letter of appointment to Kayal.CBI investigators have reason to believe that Kayal had collected Rs 24 lakh between 2021 and 2022, partly in cash, using Saha’s name. He had allegedly bought a “luxurious house” and land between 2016 and 2022.