CBI registers fresh cases in ponzi scheme probe

NEW DELHI: CBI today registered two fresh cases against as many companies in West Bengal in connection with chit fund scam in which thousands of investors, lured by higher interests, were duped of their deposits.

CBI sources said the agency registered cases against Ramel Industries and Annex Infrastructure in connection with its probe into ponzi scheme which was an offshoot of a probe against Saradha group of companies.

They said the cases have been registered as part of the Supreme Court order in May 09 this year.

"The cases have been registered against the Directors of these companies for allegations of criminal breach of trust, cheating, criminal conspiracy and violation of Prize Chit Money Circulation Scheme Banning Act," CBI spokesperson said here today.

The probe into chit fund scam started as complaints against the Saradha group poured in, prompting the Supreme Court to issue an order for a detailed probe.

There are four FIRs against the Saradha Group in which it is alleged thousands of investors were duped by the company officials and their associates who swindled their deposits. Besides, there are 44 FIRs in Odisha against ponzi companies.

The Supreme Court had handed over the Saradha chit fund scam probe to CBI and asked the state governments to provide all logistical help to the agency team investigating the matter.

CBI has formed a Special Investigating Team (SIT) headed by Joint Director Rajiv Singh to probe the role of Securities Exchange Board of India ( SEBI) and RBI.