Crime branch transfers chit fund probe files to CBI

The Economic Offences Wing (EoW) of the state crime branch has transferred the investigation of the multi-crore chit fund scam in the state to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI).

Sources said, the EoW has e-mailed the documents regarding 44 chit fund companies to the Special Investigation Team (SIT) of CBI following the Supreme Court's order.

The documents forwarded to SIT, Kolkata office, included FIR copy of 203 cases registered against 44 companies, facsimile copy of charge sheets filed, number of officials arrested, people on the run, properties confiscated and vehicles seized. Last week, CBI Joint Director and head of SIT, Rajeev Singh had held detailed discussions with Chief Secretary, Jugal Kishor Mohapatra, Home Secretary, V K Saxsena, Additional DG (Crime Branch), Bijay Kumar Sharma and others here to expedite the investigation process.

The CBI sleuths had met the state government officials seeking support regarding establishment and functioning of a SIT office in the city that will probe scam tainted chit fund companies as directed by the apex court.

SIT has asked for deployment of 25 personnel (including nine officers of inspector ranks) from Odisha police, an office space and about eight vehicles along with other infrastructure facilities for the functioning of its office in the city.

Meanwhile, a letter of demand for providing the facilities sent to Chief Secretary has been forwarded to the Director General of Police and Additional Director General (Crime Branch).

In Odisha, fraudulent financial firms had duped investors to the tune of Rs 4,600 crore, affecting one million families.