BHUBANESWAR:In a significant order, the Supreme Court has asked model Preeti Bhatia, an accused in the multi-hundred crore chit fund scam, to deposit Rs 1.17 crore within six weeks only after which it may take up hearing of her bail petition.
The bench of Justice TS Thakur and Justice R Banumathi heard the appeal filed by Preeti’s counsels and ordered that notice shall be issued to the respondents in the case subject to the petitioner depositing Rs 1,17,83,000 within six weeks before the trial court.
“In case deposit is made by the petitioner, notice to the respondent shall be returnable within four weeks thereafter,” the SC said.
The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), which is probing into the chit fund scam, had mentioned in its chargesheet that Rs 1,17,83,000 was diverted to Preeti’s accounts from Artha Tatwa (AT) Group.
The CBI had arrested the Mumbai-based model and TV producer in October last year for her alleged role in the AT Group scam.
The Mumbai-based model had filed the appeal before the apex court challenging the order of Orissa High Court which, on March 16, had turned down her bail petition. The single judge bench of Justice SK Sahoo had observed that since there is prima facie evidence on her involvement in the scam and continuance of investigation may unearth more links, bail could not be given.
The HC had also pointed out that there was money trailing to the tune of Rs 1,17,83,000 from AT Group accounts to the petitioner’s accounts and she had given a substantial chunk of it to her sister as well as brother-in-law.
The contention that the money was utilised by Preeti’s Prism Heights Films and Entertainment towards payment to artistes, directors, cameramen and staff was also not proven with documentary evidence.