Orissa HC rejects BJD MLA's anticipatory bail plea

CUTTACK: The Orissa High Court today rejected the anticipatory bail application of ruling BJD MLA and former government chief whip Pravat Tripathy, who had been interrogated by CBI for his alleged involvement in a multi- crore chitfund scam.

The single judge bench of Justice Sangam Kumar Sahu (rpt Sangam Kumar Sahu) delivered his judgement on Tripathy's petition after a long hearing.

The senior BJD leader had moved the High Court on September 15 apprehending arrest as the central investigating agency had already searched Tripathy's houses both at Cuttack and Banki, besides interrogating him twice.

The High Court had earlier granted interim protection to Tripathy before rejecting his anticipatory bail petition.

The CBI counsel, during arguments, said that since there was prima facie evidence of Tripathy's link with Artha Tatwa Group chief Pradeep Sethy, the High Court should not grant him anticipatory bail in the interest of the fair investigation.

He had also relied upon the statement made by accused Sethy and another witness. CBI was in possession of an audio CD purportedly containing telephonic conversation between Tripathy and Sethy, he said.

The voice test records relating to the CD obtained from Central Forensic Science Laboratory ( CFSL) were also submitted in a sealed cover before the High Court.

"I honour the High Court's decision. My next course of action will be taken after receiving the order copy," Tripathy told reporters.