CBI arrests model Preeti Bhatia in Odisha chitfund scam

BHUBANESWAR: CBI today arrested a Mumbai-based model and tele-serial producer for her alleged link with Artha Tatwa Group which is accused of duping investors in the multi-crore chitfund scam.

Preeti Bhatia was arrested after it was found during probe that funds from Artha Tatwa (AT) Group had been diverted to her personal, company and relatives' accounts without any valid reason, CBI officials said.

Bhatia had appeared before CBI here yesterday and was grilled by it for the fourth time in 18 days, the officials said.

The investigation agency, which has been probing the money circulation of AT Group, summoned Bhatia after being informed that the chief of the group, Pradeep Sethi had invested in serial and movie production through her, they said.

After the three-hour grilling yesterday, Bhatia had told reporters that she had nothing to do with any scam. Asked about reports that she had taken Rs 4 crore from AT Group, she had said, "I am not involved in any stupid chit (fund) scam."

Allegations have been made that AT Group had put money into Odiya film industry, Bollywood, and serial productions through a Mumbai-based production house.

CBI had earlier raided Bhatia's house in Mumbai in August.