Sultan Ahamed quizzed by CBI

Kolkata: The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) on Monday questioned Trinamul Congress MP from Uluberia, Howrah Sultan Ahmed over seven hours in the Narada sting operation case. He appeared at the anti corruption branch (ACB) office of the CBI at Nizam Palace on Monday the morning.

“I will cooperate with the CBI in the investigation,” Mr Ahmed told the media. He was grilled about why he took Rs 5 lakh in cash from Narada CEO Mathew Samuel, sources revealed, adding that he was also asked how he came to know Mr Samuel.

The Trinamul MP told CBI officers that he did not know Mr Samuel but he admitted that he took the money which he later donated to a club for social welfare, sources claimed. He was one of the dozen TMC party leaders who were caught in the sting accepting cash in return for favours.

Mr Ahmed has been booked in two cases: one by the CBI and another by the Enforcement Directorate (ED). His statement was recorded and he was however let go in the evening after the marathon grilling session. According to sources, Mr Ahmed has been summoned by the CBI again as the investigators stumbled upon a few gaps while scrutinising his statement later.

He has been asked to appear on Tuesday for another round of questioning, sources disclosed. Mr Ahmed was earlier summoned by the CBI to face questioning last week. He however skipped his summons citing his prior occupation and sought more time for appearance.

Mr Ahmed is the second Trinamul leader to have faced the CBI’s questioning after his brother Iqbal Ahmed, a Trinamul MLA and the deputy mayor. The later was grilled for around eight hours last month. He fell ill after the CBI asked him to appear for another round of questioning within 24 hours.