A day after the CBI reportedly asked BJD MP Rabindra Kumar Jena and Cuttack-Choudwar MlA Pravat Ranjan Biswal’s wife laxmi Bilasini Biswal to depose before it in connection with the Seashore chit fund scam, Union Tribal Affairs Minister Jual Oram on Sunday said there was no problem if the Central investigation agency expedited the probe before the upcoming gram panchayat elections in the State.
“Chit fund is under investigation, and the CBI can probe it anytime. There is no problem if it (CBI) expedites the inquiry now. If they (BJD) had to be targeted, let it be so,” Oram said while responding to a query of reporters if the CBI has intensified the probe a day after BJP president Amit Shah’s visit to the State.
Oram’s statement triggered reactions from the BJD and the Congress.
Higher Education Minister Pradeep Panigrahy said, “If the CBI is doing it intentionally then it’s not good for democracy. We have nothing to say if the summons are issued (against BJD leaders) as part of a regular process. The Union Government should act impartially.”
Congress leader Sarat Rout said Oram has made it clear that the NDA Government uses the CBI to its advantage. However, Rout welcomed the restarting of the probe into the scam in which many BJD leaders are allegedly involved.