Kolkata, February 3: Interim Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) chief Nageshwar Rao accused Kolkata Police Commissioner Rajeev Kumar of destroying evidence in Chit fund case. Speaking to News Agency ANI, Rao said, “We are investigating these chit fund cases as per the directions of the SC. A SIT has been constituted by the WB govt prior to SC's direction under the chairmanship of Rajeev Kumar, who is currently the Kolkata police commissioner.”

He added that the Kolkata police had taken charge of all the evidence, seized all the documents. Rao further stated, “They have not been cooperating with us in handing over all the documents, and a lot of evidence has been destroyed or caused to disappear.” Meanwhile, all the five detained CBI officials have been released.

However, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee alleged Bharatiya Janata Party for destroying the federal structure in the state. Banerjee on Sunday started her 'Save the Constitution' dharna at Metro Channel in Kolkata to protest the CBI move to question the Kolkata Police commissioner who was also present along with several other TMC leaders at the dharna spot. The Chief Minister has called for the dharna after high drama took place outside the residence of Kumar.

Launching a scathing attack on the Centre, Banerjee said the highest levels of the BJP leadership are doing the worst kind of political vendetta. "Not only are political parties their targets, but they are also misusing power to take control of the police and destroy all institutions. We condemn this,” Banerjee tweeted. She also extended her support to the Kolkata Police Commissioner who has been summoned by the CBI in connection with Rose Valley and Saradha ponzi scams.

Joint Commissioner Crime, Kolkata Police Praveen Tripathi while interacting with media said that a team of CBI officers came without any papers for what they called a 'secret operation'. He further added that when asked what the operation was about, they could not give a satisfactory response.

Meanwhile, a delegation of senior BJP leaders will meet Chief Election Commissioner on Monday. The BJP will complain about West Bengal government blocking rallies of their senior party leaders in the state.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Feb 03, 2019 10:13 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).