Cong demands CBI probe on chit scam

The members of Odisha Pradesh Congress Committee (OPCC) on Wednesday staged state-wide demonstrations demanding CBI enquiry into the alleged multi-crore chit fund scam.

The main opposition party also clamoured for resignation of the ministers and BJD MLAs alleged to be involved in the scam and the urged the government to ensure refund of money to the investors who are duped by the chit fund companies.

"In a memorandum to the Governor, we have demanded that the home department must publish the names of ruling party leaders and ministers involved in the scam, as revealed by the owners of chit fund companies who have been taken into custody by the police," said Jaydev Jena, President, OPCC.

Congress blamed the Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik and his team for encouraging the chit fund companies and demanded that criminal cases be filed against them.

Pradip Sethi, chairman cum managing director of the scam tainted AT group, had earlier told the media that he paid bribes to several ministers and MLAs.

Meanwhile, the commissionerate police have pleaded before the court to take Sethi on remand for five days for further investigation. Sethi will be cross-examined in the presence of 22 persons who had been summoned by the police for having business links with him.