CBI must start investigate CM, says Cong

A day after Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) quizzed chief minister Naveen Patnaik's key personal aide, Saroj Sahu in connection with the chit fund money trail, state Congress today demanded that the scope of the probe must include the role of Patnaik in the scam.

"Sahu was authorised by Naveen Patnaik to issue party press releases and was a key interface between visitors and Patnaik. Interrogation of Sahu is enough to indicate chief minister's complicity in the chit fund scam. The CBI must direct its investigation against Patnaik before material evidence is destroyed," alleged Narasimha Mishra, the Leader of Opposition and Congress legislative party chief at a press meet.

The CBI questioned Sahu regarding use of chit fund money by the ruling BJD in the last elections, according to sources. Mishra said, since Sahu acted on behalf of chief minister, it cannot be ruled out that he was unaware of the illegal activities.

The Opposition has introduced a motion in the assembly to discuss chit fund scam issue next week. The treasury bench has agreed to discuss the issue for two days between November 24 and 26.