Odisha chit-fund scam: CBI officer meets state officials

Bhubaneswar, May 20 (IANS) CBI Joint Director Rajiv Singh Tuesday met Odisha's top administrative and police officials here over the multi-crore chit fund scam in the state, authorities said.

The top Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) official met Chief Secretary J.K. Mohapatra and sought his cooperation in the probe.

Home Secretary Vipin Saxena and Odisha Police crime branch chief B.K Sharma were also present during the meeting at the state secretariat.

Rajiv Singh later also met Director General of Police Prakash Mishra at the police headquarters in Cuttack, about 25 km from here.

Mishra told IANS that the CBI official sought records and logistic support to carry out the investigation.

The visit of the CBI joint director assumes significance as the Supreme Court May 9 directed the investigating agency to probe the chit fund scams in several states, including Odisha.

The scams came to light after many investors complained that several firms collected huge amounts of money from them promising high returns, but later refused to pay back as promised.

At least 44 companies in Odisha will be probed by the CBI. They include Kolkata-based Saradha Group, and Odisha-based Seashore and Artha Tatwa groups.