Calcutta, Sept. 10: Madan Mitra wants to "run" home and "stay away from the murky world of politics" after spending 629 days in CBI custody, but the former minister has to bide his time in a hotel barely 1km from his residence for now.
The Alipore sessions court's bail order yesterday set the condition that Mitra, a former Trinamul MLA and a Saradha accused, would not be able to step out of the area under the jurisdiction of Bhowanipore police station. However, Mitra's home, though in Bhowanipore, comes under the watch of Kalighat police station.
After being released from Alipore central jail this morning, Mitra checked into the Elgin Road hotel.
"Dada's home comes under the jurisdiction of Kalighat police station. So there was no option but to book a hotel room until our lawyers can move court and sort the matter out," an aide to Mitra said.
As Mitra received the bail order last evening, they could not appeal for a change in its contents.
"We will move court within a day or two. Hopefully, the matter will be sorted out," said Niladri Bhattacharya, one of Mitra's lawyers.
Sitting in Room 501 of the hotel this afternoon, Mitra said: "I am relieved to be able to return to my family. I think this will be sorted out. Once the order comes, I will run home. I want to meet Ma - Ma Durga."
The Mitras of Sankharipara in Bhowanipore have been organising Durga Puja at their home for decades. Decorators have started erecting poles to prepare the mandap.
"Life has taught me some hard lessons during my 21 months in jail. I have decided to stay away from the murky world of politics now," Mitra said, surrounded by his wife, sons and other family members.
"But if the investors want me to join them in their battle, I am ready," he added, referring to those duped by the ponzi scam.
Many supporters of the former transport minister, who lost from the Kamarhati seat in this year's Assembly elections, met him through the day, gifting him flowers and sweets. In between meeting the visitors, Mitra asked one of his aides for medicines. He has to take 21 medicines a day.
"The allegation that I received money from Saradha hurt me the most. I still insist that neither I nor anyone else in my family took a single paisa from Saradha," he said, his eyes fixed on the television set.
The CBI today said it would move Calcutta High Court next week to challenge the Alipore court's order granting bail to Mitra.
"We will explain why Mitra remains influential and how his bail will adversely affect the trial," said CBI counsel K. Raghavacharyulu.
