CBI gives affidavit on its readiness to probe chitfund scam

CBI today affirmed an affidavit before Calcutta High Court stating it has no objection if directed to probe the multi-crore rupees chitfund scam. Giving the affidavit in connection with PILs praying for CBI probe into the scam spread across West Bengal and some neighbouring states, the central investigating agency stated that if the court directed it to investigate the case it had no objection. CBI, however, prayed that the court directs West Bengal government to provide manpower and other logistic support if required by it to investigate the case.

Four petitions were moved before a division bench comprising Chief Justice Arun Mishra and Justice Joymalyo Bagchi seeking CBI probe into the chitfund scam. West Bengal government has opposed a CBI probe into the scam, claiming that the state investigating agency was doing a fine job and has already arrested the chairman of Saradha Group, Sudipta Sen and some others in connection with the scam.

The scam came into the open following the closure of a number of media houses run by Saradha Group, one of the major players in the chitfund business. With lakhs of investors, mostly from the low income group having been duped, the state government ordered an investigation and the Bidhannagar Police started probing the issue. Hearing of the petitions seeking CBI probe is scheduled to be held tomorrow.