Odisha chit fund scam: CBI interrogates BJD MP

In yet another jolt to the ruling Biju Janata Dal (BJD) in Odisha, the CBI Monday interrogated party MP Rabindra Kumar Jena over his alleged link with the multi-crore-rupee chit fund scam in the state.

According to sources in the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), Jena was questioned for about three hours for his alleged link with the Seashore Group, a major chit fund player in the state.

The Lok Sabha member from Balasore appeared at the CBI office here at 7.50 p.m. He is the second BJD MP to be interrogated by the investigating agency in the chit fund scam.

"I was questioned about some business transactions with Seashore. The CBI wanted some clarifications and documents over this. I have answered all questions and provided all relevant documents to the CBI," Jena told media persons after coming out of the CBI office.

Earlier, the CBI had arrested Mayurbhanj MP Rama Chandra Hansdah along with a former BJD legislator and a former BJP legislator for their alleged link with Nabadiganta Financial Services, a chit fund company operating in the state.

CBI sources said Jena headed the Supratik group of companies, which had availed term loan of about Rs.18 crore from the Seashore group in 2010.

He, however, paid back the loan in 2013, the sources added.

Jena was also the co-CEO of Balasore Alloys from Jan 31, 2007 to Jan 30, 2009.

Later, he became managing director of the same company till November 2011.

Meanwhile, a special CBI court here Monday granted extension of the bail to former Odisha advocate general Ashok Mohanty, who was arrested in connection with chit fund firm Artha Tatwa Group.

The Khordha district sessions court had allowed Mohanty to go on bail against a surety of Rs.1 lakh and two bailers Sep 26, 2014.