Sudipta Sen, the main accused in the Saradha chit fund scam, will be released from jail after 13 years following a conditional bail granted by the Calcutta High Court. The court noted that Sen has been granted bail in 387 out of 389 cases against him, highlighting the prolonged nature of his detention, which has exceeded the maximum potential sentence he could face. The court's decision was influenced by Sen's age, as he is now 64 years old, and his serious health conditions, including a recent brain stroke. Bail conditions include a bond of ₹5,000 (approximately $60 USD), restrictions on leaving West Bengal, and a prohibition on engaging in any financial activities. The Saradha scam, which became one of West Bengal's largest financial scandals, involved numerous Ponzi schemes that defrauded an estimated 2 crore (20 million) depositors, with losses reportedly exceeding ₹30,000 crore (approximately $3.6 billion USD). The political ramifications of the scam have been significant, affecting the ruling Trinamool Congress party and opposition parties, particularly as the state approaches the 2026 Assembly elections.