As anticipated, the CBI probe into the Artha Tatwa (AT) Group chit fund scam took a new turn on Monday, just a day before the resumption of the Budget Session of the Assembly, with the Central investigating agency quizzing State Youth Congress president Rajat Choudhury.
Choudhury, who had also appeared before the CBI last time on October 2014, was grilled for over three hours in connection with his alleged links with the AT Group, a major player in the multi-thousand crore chit fund scam. Sources said his wife also appeared before the CBI.
The sources said Choudhury was quizzed about a land-related issue, which was linked with the AT Group.
The development seemed to have come as a big relief for the ruling BJD, which is in back foot after the alleged links of Minister Sanjay Dasburma with the tainted AT Group have come to fore.
Opposition parties are levelling new charges with documentary evidences in every passing day against Dasburma about his alleged links not only with AT Group but also with 12 companies.
Meanwhile, senior Congress leader lalatendu Bidyadhar (lulu) Mohapatra who first raised the chit fund link of Dasburma questioned the CBI’s interrogation of Choudhury after two years.
“If he (Rajat) is guilty then the CBI should arrest him. But the interrogation timing was aimed at creating political pressure and also aimed at disrupting the Congress’ Tuesday’s demonstration before the Assembly,” said Mohapatra.
Meanwhile, BJD spokesperson Pratap Keshari Deb said the PCC president, who is critical of Chief Minister, should clarify the development.
On the other hand, PCC president Prasad Harichandan said action would be taken against those found guilty.
“let the CBI clarify the reason behind the interrogation of the Congress leader,” said Harichandan.
In a related development, the Supreme Court on Monday turned down the interim bail plea of BJD MP Ramchandra Hansdah, who is now lodged at the Jharpada Special Jail for his involvement in the Nabadiganta chit fund scam in the State.
He prayed for bail to attend the ongoing Parliament Session. He was arrested onSeptember 4 in 2014.