The summons by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has put Food and Civil Supplies Minister on tenterhooks with CBI reportedly planning to call him to personally appear before it and opposition political parties demanding his resignation.
After the investigating agency reportedly denied to accept the documents from Dasburma's associate on Wednesday, the Minister on Thursday sent a team of four senior lawyers led by Mihir Mohanty to the CBI office for submission of vehicle “documents” to substantiate his ownership of an SUV, which is suspected to be given to him by the Artha Tatwa (AT) chit fund company.
On April 4, the CBI had summoned the Minister seeking details about the vehicle.
Dasburma's counsel Mihir Mohanty said they submitted the documents as sought by the CBI on the two Pajero SUVs owned by the Minister and other vehicles which are in the name of his family members.
“The CBI had sought details of the Pajero vehicles owned by Dasburma, including those disposed and sold by him, either in his name or in the name of his family members, and details of any other vehicles owned by him either in his name or in the name of his family members. Apart from this, CBI had also wanted to know the sources from where the Minister had arranged the money to purchase these vehicles,” said Mohanty.
The lawyer, however, made it clear that the summons never meant for personal appearance and only sought documents.
“The CBI had not served notice on Dasburma under Section 160 of the CrPC. If it serves, then we will act accordingly,” said Mohanty.
Meanwhile, opposition Congress and BJP demanded the resignation of the Minister at least on moral ground.
“The summon mean there is some involvement. Hence, the Minister should step down at least on moral ground,” said BJP general secretary Prithwiraj Harichandan.
Congress leader lalatendu Bidyadhar (lulu) Mohapatra, who sparked the controversy linking Dasburma with AT chit fund company said the CBI should summon the Minister for personal appearance and extract truth.
“Whatever I have told based on evidences. Now it has become true,” said Mohapatra.
Meanwhile, defending Dasburma BJD spokesperson Pratap Keshari Deb alleged BJP-Congress nexus behind the summons.
“The CBI has filed chargesheet about two years ago. Why he did not call the Minister at that time. It served summons only after a Congress leaders make a hue and cry. Our party has always welcomed the investigation, but it has to be impartial. But under the prevailing circumstances, we feel that there is Congres-BJP nexus,” said Deb.