Bengal minister sent to four-day CBI custody, Mamata hits the streets

Kolkata, Dec 13 (IANS) West Bengal Transport and Sports Minister Madan Mitra was Saturday sent to CBI custody till Dec 16 by a court here. Rejecting the bail plea moved by Mitra's lawyers, the chief judicial magistrate's court sent him to four days' custody in connection with the Saradha scam. Meanwhile, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee Saturday hit the streets to protest the arrest of her minister Madan Mitra in the Saradha scam. She wondered if Prime Minister Narendra Modi should be arrested for the Sahara scandal as he was photographed with the Sahara group chief who is now behind bars. "A red diary was obtained after raiding the Sahara office. It had several big names. Empty vessels sound much. There are images of the prime minister with the Sahara chief (Subrata Roy). Should we arrest the prime minister?" Banerjee asked, as she led a demonstration protesting against the arrest of Transport and Sports Minister Mitra. Trying to whip up local sentiments, Banerjee accused the BJP and the CBI of efforts to "destroy the sports infrastructure in Bengal" by targeting the iconic football clubs. The protest rally started at 1 p.m. at the base of the statue of legendary footballer Gostho Pal. Several prominent sportspersons were present.