File Photo: Saradha Group of Companies

The Central Bureau of Investigation has filed the first chargesheet in the multi-crore Saradha Ponzi scam, naming Sardha Group chief Sudipto Sen, company director Debjani Mukherjee and suspended Trinamool Congress parliamentarian Kunal Ghose.They have been accused of cheating and conspiracy among other charges.Four companies of the Group and one headed by Mr Ghose -- Strategy Media - have also been named in the chargesheet.Further investigation into the role of other persons will continue.The scandal had come to light in April 2013, when the company closed shop across Bengal, unable to pay back around 17 lakh depositors - mainly poor people in small towns and villages -- who had parked their life's savings with the Group lured by the promise of huge returns.

Mr Ghosh, who is one of the accused in the case, has alleged that key politicians of the ruling Trinamool Congress are involved and Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee was aware of the matter.On October 20, the Enforcement Directorate attached properties worth Rs 100 crore belonging to the Saradha Group. ( Read more...