Trinamool Congress leader Shankudeb Panda was Monday questioned by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) in the multi-crore rupee Saradha scam.Questioned for over three hours, Panda's statement was recorded under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act.The journalist-turned-politician, who is currently general secretary of the party's state unit, was also quizzed about his alleged involvement with certain firms that had made some financial dealings with the tainted Saradha Group. He also submitted records of his financial transactions and income of the past few years.Perceived to be close to the party top leadership, Panda arrived at the ED office covering his face with a shawl to dodge the waiting media.
After questioning, he left the office in a hurry without having a word with the journalistsLooking into the Saradha money trail, the ED has already grilled a number of Trinamool leaders, including several of its MPs.While the Central Bureau of Investigation, which too is probing the scam, had taken into custody Trinamool Rajya Sabha members Kunal Ghosh and Srinjoy Bose and Transport Minister Madan Mitra, the ED has grilled a host of party leaders, including actor-turned MP Mithun Chakraborty and Textile Minister Shyamapada Mukherjee.The ED had earlier questioned noted actress and film-maker Aparna Sen who worked as the editor of Parama, a magazine bought by the Saradha Group.