Trimool stung again, new videos of sting operation out

Kolkata, March 21: In what could cause further embarrassment for the Trimool Congress, rada News on Monday published a new set of videos of its sting operation in which two prominent leaders of West Bengal’s ruling party were purportedly caught on tape — one of them accepting money, and the other seeking a “bemi” stake in a project.

The news portal on March 14 had published the first video in which as many as 11 Trimool leaders were shown accepting bundles of cash in return for favours to a fictitious company.

In the latest videos, the website claimed Trimool Lok Sabha member from Arambagh Aprupa Poddar accepted money, while former party state general secretary Shanku Deb Panda sought a “bemi stake” in the fictitious company in return for his help.

The authenticity of the videos could not be ascertained by IANS. Incidentally jourlist-turned-politician Panda had carried out a sting operation in 2008 in which then CPI-M legislator from ndigram Muhammad Illyas was seen accepting money.

Panda has also been in the news for his grilling by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI)and the Enforcement Directorate (ED) in the multi-crore-rupee Saradha scam.

The Trimool has rejected the allegations claiming the videos to be “doctored” and “manufactured” and threatened to take legal steps against the news portal. Neither of the two leaders could be reached for comment. (IANS)