The CBI on Saturday quizzed Saroj Sahu, one of the trusted aides of Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik, in connection with the chit-fund scam probe.
Mr. Sahu operates straight out of ‘Naveen Niwas’, the Chief Minister’s residence. Sources said he was quizzed for his alleged association in facilitating expansion of Seashore Group, the tainted ponzi group.
Mr. Sahu, who was considered as a critical link between the BJD and Chief Minister’s residence, had been issuing important party notices and releases in different capacities such as office secretary and BJD’s authorised signatory.
“I was summoned over telephone by the CBI,” Mr. Sahu said before being interrogated for over 90 minutes here on Saturday. .
His interrogation is said to be an important development in the chit fund scam probe. Political observers said it further strengthened the belief that Seashore’s growth in Odisha had political backing during the past couple of years.
Meanwhile, the CBI on Saturday secured a one-day extension of the custody of Chairman and Managing Director of Seashore Group Prashant Dash.