Two Kolkata-based companies under scanner for buying Mamata Banerjee’s paintings

By NewsGram Staff Writer

The Central Bureau of Investigation and the Enforcement Directorate have pinned down two Kolkata-based firms because of their dubious balance sheets. The two companies despite having minimal profits, as displayed in their balance sheets, have spent crores for buying paintings drawn by West Bengal's Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee.

One of the companies has its office a British India Street while the other is located on Camac Street in Kolkata.

According to a news report, the balance sheet of British India Street firm shows a total earning of Rs 36,000 in 2009-10 and 2010-11. However, despite the meager income the firm invested Rs 2.31 crore to buy at least nine paintings, reportedly drawn by Mamata Banerjee, before assembly elections.

Reportedly the other company shows an income of Rs 33,000, but spent Rs 2 crore on two paintings, reported the Times of India.

The investigators probing the case are trying to determine whether the bank accounts of the two companies became inactive immediately after the elections were over.

TOI reported an officer as saying, "It is possible that they may have posted bigger profits later but unless the company produces those account sheets, the probe will continue."

Based on the recorded statements, the investigators have found out that the British India Street office has not been opened in months.