BJD-BJP slowing down chit fund scam probe: CPI

Bhubaneswar, June 10:

CPI leader D. Raja on Wednesday took a dig at the BJP-led central government and BJD-led Odisha government, alleging they had a tacit understanding to slow down the CBI probe into chit fund scam in the state.

He said Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik should clarify if there was any secret understanding between the Biju Janata Dal (BJD) and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) to slow down the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) investigation into the scam.

“The CBI probe into the chit fund scam in Odisha is unsatisfactory. The CBI must play a proactive role in investigating the matter. At the same time, the chief minister should explain his stand on the allegations,” the CPI national secretary told reporters here.

The Communist Party of India (CPI) leader said due to an understanding between the BJP and the regional party, thousands of poor duped investors lost their hope of getting their invested funds back.

Alleging that some ruling BJD leaders were involved in the chit fund scam, Raja said the CBI must go through the details and investigate the scam in an expeditious and fair manner.

He also demanded immediate withdrawal of criminal cases slapped against the CPI activists who opposed the Posco steel project in Jagatsinghpur district of Odisha.

Stating that the party leaders hold the right to express views against any project and issues, Raja said the chief minister should show political maturity and withdraw cases against the CPI people.

Raja also attacked the Narendra Modi government, stating it has achieved nothing except ensuring amicable atmosphere to corporate houses and multinational companies.

Alleging that farmers and poor people were the worst sufferers under the Modi government, the CPI leader said: “It is a government dictated by RSS and Sangha Parivar, working for the interest of corporate houses.” (IANS)