Despite a series of raids by the State Crime Branch police conducted on several chit fund companies, the illegal deposit collection from innocent people still continues in the State. It is evident from the fact that the Economic Offences Wing (EOW) of the Crime Branch, which had provided its new toll-free number 18003457103 on January 28 requesting the people to inform about chit fund activities, has so far received over 400 calls with information on rampant chit fund business in several areas across the State, including the capital city.
However, the local police have no information about this. As per the calls received by the Crime Branch, rampant chit fund business is going on in Ganjam, Gajapati, Baleswar and Bhubaneswar. A group of local traders and businessmen of some slums and weekly markets are actively involved in chit fund activities here.
“The duped depositors have also informed the Crime Branch police about the non-cooperation of the local police who are not receiving their complaints against the chit fund owners,” said a senior CB official. The official said the Crime Branch would take up a massive campaign to make people aware of the chit fund companies and their activities in the State very soon.