‘VVIP’ Madan moved to Alipore jail hospital

Madan Mitra was released from the SSKM Hospital on Sunday and taken to the Alipore central jail where he was moved to the hospital ward in the evening. He is in judicial custody for his alleged link to the multicrore Saradha chit fund scam. Senior jail officials greeted Mitra with tea and snacks after he reached the prison

Transport and sports minister Madan Mitra was released from the SSKM Hospital on Sunday and taken to the Alipore central jail where he was moved to the hospital ward in the evening. He is in judicial custody for his alleged link to the multicrore Saradha chit fund scam.

Rajat Majumdar, retired IPS officer and former Trinamool vice-president, who also was arrested for his Saradha links, is already in the ward. Mitra was allotted the bed next to him.

Senior jail officials greeted Mitra with tea and snacks after he reached the prison at 7:20pm.

Sources said four inmates were running errands for Mitra — right from providing a new mattress and pillow to ensuring that food to him is served in new crockery and utensils. This is apart from putting in place new curtains for the ‘VVIP guest’. Mitra was served specially cooked food for lunch.

Jail sources said a special cell was being spruced up for Mitra and he could be shifted there soon. A fresh coat of paint was also given to the walls of the section but, the sources said, Mitra was not keen on staying there.

Immediately after having tea at the jail superintendent’s office, the minister complained of breathlessness and asked to be administered oxygen. The superintendent called the jail doctor who advised that Mitra be shifted to the hospital ward.