Mumbai model again quizzed in Odisha chit fund scam

The CBI Thursday again interrogated Mumbai-based model and TV serial producer Preeti Bhatia in connection with the Odisha chit fund scam.

Bhatia was quizzed for the fourth time in last 18 days on her links with AT Group chief Pradeep Sethy, who has duped thousands of depositors in the scam. But she has asserted her innocence.

"I am not linked to any scam," Bhatia, who appeared before the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) along with her mother and advocate, told media persons after a three-hour grilling.

According to CBI sources, she has presented some documents related to her business links with the AT Group.

Bhatia was a director in a company, Prism Heights Films and Entertainment Private Limited, formed by Sethy. The company produced an Odia film while Sethy invested chit fund money to make some serials through the company. Along with Bhatia and Sethy, Indu Dewan was the director in the company.

Earlier, Bhatia had appeared before the CBI Wednesday and Sep 23 and 25. She was accompanied by her mother on two occasions while she came alone once.

The CBI raided Bhatia's house in Mumbai on Aug 16, said sources.

AT Group is one of the homegrown chit fund company, which is alleged to have siphoned off around Rs.500 crore from depositors in the state.