Two ministers took money from AT Group: Pradip Sethy

Bhubaneswar: It was widely suspected. Now, it came straight from the horse’s mouth. Chit fund scam accused Artha Tatwa (AT) Group chief Pradip Sethy on Monday said two ministers of the ruling BJD had taken huge amounts of money to help grow his business empire in the state.

While the statement of Sethy gave credence to the growing public suspicion about political nexus in the chit fund scam, the revelation at the time of panchayat elections is likely to affect the prospects of ruling BJD.

“Two ministers have taken a huge amount of money. I cannot reveal names of the two ministers. I already told their names to CBI and enforcement directorate,” Sethy told reporters while he was produced in a local court here.

“I will provide the same information to serious fraud investigation office (SFIO), which will interrogate me,” he added.

Sethy has been lodged in Jharpada jail since his arrest in May 2013 for his alleged involvement in the chit fund scam.

Several BJD leaders have been questioned over their alleged links with the chit fund scam by CBI while several have been arrested. Last year, the CBI had summoned Food Supplies and Consumer Welfare Minister Sanjay Dasburma for his alleged links with the scam.