CBI should quiz Odisha minister in chit fund scam: Congress

Bhubaneswar, April 9:

The Odisha Congress on Saturday demanded that the CBI question Food Supplies and Consumer Welfare Minister Sanjay Dasburma over his alleged involvement in the chit fund scam.

The party also demanded the resignation of the minister alleging that chit fund money had been invested in five companies managed by Dasburma’s family.

“The CBI should ask him to appear personally and start investigation into all the allegations levelled against him,” said Odisha Pradesh Congress Committee president Prasad Harichandan.

He said the minister should appear before the investigating agency as the entire state wants to know the truth over his involvement in the chit fund scam.

The ruling Biju Janata Dal (BJD), however, defended Dasburma, saying he did not need to resign as there was no substantial evidence against the minister.

“The opposition is brining only allegations to malign the image of our party. There is no substance over the allegations and no one resigns on mere allegations,” said BJD spokesperson Pratap Jena.

While the CBI had summoned Dasburma to furnish details of a car for allegedly receiving it from chit fund firm Artha Tatwa chief, the Congress and the Bharatiya Janata Party have accused the minister of investing the chit fund money in several companies in which his family members are directors. (IANS)