In a big jolt to Odisha Chief Minister and his party Biju Janata Dal, party’s Lok Sabha MP from Mayurbhanj, Ramachandra Hansda was arrested by the CBI in connection with the chit fund scam, involving Nabadiganta Capital Services Pvt. Ltd. Former BJD MLA from Keonjhar, Subarna Nayak was also arrested.

In addition, former BJP MLA from Khariar, Hitesh Bagarti was also taken into custody by the CBI. They have been charged with criminal conspiracy and diversion of funds. Earlier on October 27, the CBI sleuths had arrested Nabadiganta CMD Anjan Baliarsingh and founders of the company Pradip Kumar and Kartikeya Paida.

Ramachandra Hansda was the second top BJD leader to be arrested in chit fund scam. Earlier, the CBI had arrested senior leader and Banki MLA Pravat Tripathy in connection with AT Group chit fund scam. It is believed that many MLA, Ministers and senior leaders of the party may be put behind bars once the CBI starts interrogating politicians in Seashore Group chit fund case.