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The division bench of Calcutta High Court has rejected the bail plea of the jailed West Bengal Transport Minister Madan Mitra. The bail plea was moved by Senior advocate and Congress leader Kapil Sibal, but was rejected by Justices Nisitha Mahtre and Asha Arora. Sibal pleaded that his client is ready to step down as a minister as a condition for bail.

CBI’s counsel opposed the bail petition citing that the crucial factor in this case is that Mitra is the Transport Minister of the state and is, an influential person. Congress leader and noted advocate Sibal argued that Section 409 of IPC (criminal breach of trust by public servant or by banker, merchant or agent) which is slapped against Madan Mitra is not applicable as he is not directly involved in the scam.

The state Congress had cried foul. “It is highly embarrassing for a party, which had originally moved the Supreme Court for a CBI inquiry into Saradha case and had got a verdict endorsing a CBI inquiry. Now, a Congress leader has come to fight for the prime accused, it is an insult to the party,” said a party leader.

By Premji