Bhubaneswar, Jan 12: The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has grilled Odisha Cricket Association (OCA) secretary Ashirbad Behera on Monday in connection with alleged links of chit fund companies with franchisees of Odisha Premier League (OPL).
The apex probe agency is investigating the multi-crore chit fund scam in the State.
Behera’s grilling comes after the arrest of Ranjan Das, chairman of tainted Swastik India Multi State Credit Cooperative which allegedly duped gullible investors to the tune of Rs 10 crore in Odisha, on January 6. Swastik India was listed among 44 companies which are being probed by the CBI in chit fund scam.
According to sources in CBI, Behera’s interrogation is expected to revolve around the investment of Ranjan Das in OPL.
Das was also the owner of Balasore Bagha, a franchisee of OPL. Behera, who had appeared a number of times before the investigating agency earlier in connection with the case, is expected to face questions regarding the tournament’s sponsorship.
Das had allegedly founded AT group, also facing CBI probe, before setting up Swastik India. OPL was started in 2011, with 10 teams representing 10 cities of the State. However, its second edition was cancelled after the income tax officials hounded the team owners about the source of money spent in the tournament. Though OCA tried to revive its third edition, it could not succeed.
