The Enforcement Directorate (ED) probing the money laundering aspects of the chit fund scams in the State would set up its new zone in Odisha in Bhuabneswar. This was informed by ED Director Rajan S Katoch here on Friday.Katoch, who presided over the ED’s two-day annual conference here, said the new zone would probe money laundering and financial crimes in the State. He also said that they have advertised for the appointment of a Joint Director for the new zone.
“Though we have lack of manpower, we are trying very hard to do our best,” said Katoch to reporters.The ED Director discussed about policy and administrative matters besides taking stock of the ongoing investigation by the agency into various scams, including the chit fund scam, in the State, sources said.The officials also discussed about new recruitment, transport, budget and manpower of the agency.
ED sources said the officials may also take stock of the investigation into the affairs of the Seashore, Saradha and Artha Tatwa (AT) Groups in the State as well as the Uliburu mining scam and black money issue.ED Joint Director Himanshu lal, who was the DCP of Bhubaneswar before, joined the conference along with about 20 other top officials of the ED.
A host of officials from the State and Central Governments, police and airport authority joined the ED meeting in the afternoon.Among others, State Vigilance Director KV Singh, Special Secretary in State Home Department lalit Das, Twin City Police Commissioner Dr RP Sharma, CBI SP MK Sinha, Airport Director Sharad Kumar and officials of Central Excise and Customs were present.