Odisha Sun Times Bureau
Bhubaneswar, Apr 24:

In a fresh round of attack against Odisha Food Supplies and Consumer Welfare (FS&CW) Minister Sanjay Das Burma, senior Congress leader Lalatendu Bidyadhar Mohapatra (Lulu) today produced a picture of Das Burma with an alleged chit fund scam accused before the press.

Lulu shows pic of Sanjay with chit fund accused

“This picture was taken in April 2014 -- about 10-12 days before the election-- in a Puri based hotel where the Election Observer conducted a raid. Now, one of these men is hiding in his house and the other is in Jharpada jail,” said Lulu showing the picture that has Das Burma along with another man in the frame.

He, however, didn’t take the name of either of the men in picture.

“They have encouraged the chit fund scam. They fought the election in chit fund money. The BJD leaders have spoiled 20 lakh families of the state. AT chief has already admitted facilitating vehicles. I have submitted the proof and the Chief Minister is aware of this”.

“I want to ask if they are involved with AT group. I also ask the leaders of BJD who burnt my office and moved to DG office demanding my arrest to ask their leader to answer my questions,” he added.

Reacting to the development, BJD spokesperson Amar Prasad Satpathy said that a picture doesn’t establish any connection between the two people.

“In the recent Dhalasamanta case we saw pictures of so many leaders with the brothers. Everyone pleaded innocence as the picture didn’t prove any connection. The same logic applies here too. Besides, what made him wait for two years, if he knew everything,” questioned Satpathy.

“Let’s give CBI the time and opportunity to complete its investigation impartially. The truth will come out. The way the issues are being raised, it might influence the investigation,” he added.