Kolkata: The SIT probing the extortion case against arrested Trinamool functionary Debraj Chakraborty is widening its investigation to trace the alleged money trail and determine whether the funds remained within a local syndicate or were routed to more influential beneficiaries, police sources said.Investigators said Chakraborty cooperated during questioning but evaded several crucial questions.The SIT is examining whether money allegedly extorted from a promoter was invested in properties or businesses or transferred to higher-ranking individuals.Sources said Chakraborty was also questioned on Saturday about the movements of Sumit Roy, an aide to Abhishek Banerjee wanted in a land-grab, extortion and embezzlement case and who was in regular contact with Chakraborty. Chakraborty, however, claimed he had remained out of contact with everyone while absconding.The investigation has also brought multiple councillors under scrutiny after residents alleged construction projects were halted and later resumed following extortion payments.Meanwhile, residents of South Dum Dum’s ward 18 complained to MLA Tarunjyoti Tewari about an allegedly illegal tennis academy built on encroached land by Chakraborty and his associates. The allegations also named late councillor Sanjay Das. While Trinamool dismissed the charges as politically motivated, BJP demanded a wider probe.
