Chit fund scam: High Court gives interim relief to lawyer till October 30

The Orissa High Court today granted interim protection from arrest till October 30 to a lawyer who has been booked by CBI in connection with the chit fund scam.

CBI in June this year had booked Debashis Panda, a High Court lawyer, for alleged offences under several sections of IPC and the Prize Chits and Money Circulation Scheme (Banning) Act, 1978.

Justice S K Mishra, who dealt with the anticipatory bail application filed by Panda, directed that in the event of Panda's arrest by CBI, he shall be released on bail on furnishing a personal bond of Rs 10,000.

This interim protection to Panda is, however, valid till October 30, 2014. The High Court adjourned the case which will be heard again on October 29.

Panda has also been directed by the High Court that if in the meantime CBI issues notice to him to appear before it for the purpose of investigation, he shall appear before the agency.
Panda, a former Additional Government Advocate (AGA), has been accused of criminal conspiracy, criminal breach of trust, cheating, forgery for the purpose of cheating, using as genuine a forged document and criminal intimidation.