The issue on frauds amounting to crores of rupees committed by chit fund companies across Chhattisgarh during the last four years triggered uproarious scenes in Chhattisgarh Assembly on Friday followed by walkout of the Opposition Congress members from the House.
Responding to a question raised by BJP member Devji Bhai Patel during question hour regarding chit fund companies, Panchayat and Rural Development Minister Ajay Chandrakar (who is temporarily holding the additional charge of Home Department) informed that unauthorized non-banking companies operational across the State has duped 46092 investors to the tune of over `343 crore during the past four years.
The Minister further informed that cases in this connection have been registered against these companies under relevant sections of Indian Penal Code, Prize Chits and Money Circulation Schemes (Banning) Act 1978 and other acts.
Moreover, police have arrested owners/directors/agents of these unauthorized non-banking companies. Of the 159 cases, registered against the companies, investigation has been completed in 105 cases with arrest of around 159 agents and 52 persons (including directors and others office-bearers) while charge-sheet has been produced in 101 cases.
Chandrakar further informed that investigation is underway in around 54 cases while three cases have been closed and recommendation for closure of one has been made.
Meanwhile, Congress member Bhupesh Baghel attempted to corner the ruling party by questioning whether the State Government is going to take any action against ministers who have inaugurated the offices of these chit fund companies.
Due to participation of people in Government has evoked sense of assurance among people to invest in such fraudulent companies, he said.
Strongly objecting to the observation of the Congress member, BJP member Rajesh Munat challenged the Opposition to produce facts in this regard in the House.
Subsequently, the Opposition members demanded intense investigation in this connection through the Assembly’s Committee by shouting slogans and staged a walkout.