Chit gate: Ex-AGP to appear before CBI

Bhubaneswar: Sheltered under an interim protection of the Orissa High Court, former additional government pleader Devashis Panda would appear before the investigation officer of CBI on April 2 in connection with the multi-crore rupees chit fund scam.

While adjudicating over an anticipatory bail application of Panda, the HC yesterday gave this direction. The CBI had pleaded before the HC that the appearance of the accused before the officer is necessary to carry forward the investigation in the scam.

CBI had in June last year booked Panda for alleged commission of offence under several Sections of IPC and the Prize Chits and Money Circulation Scheme (Banning) Act of 1978.

In October last year, the HC had given an interim protection to Panda stating that in the event of Panda’s arrest by CBI, he shall be released on bail by furnishing a personal bond of Rs 10,000. This interim protection of the HC is still continuing.