Three BJD MLAs questioned in bribe demand case

Bhubaneswar, Sept 15: Three Biju Jata Dal (BJD) legislators, who were caught on camera while allegedly demanding money to facilitate industrial projects in their respective districts, have been questioned by Odisha Vigilance Directorate sleuths, an official said on Thursday. MLAs Seemarani yak (Hindol), Susant Behera (Chhendipada) and Bijay yak (Karanjia) were questioned at the Cuttack headquarters of the directorate on Wednesday evening and the trio had got recorded their statements, a senior vigilance officer said on Thursday.

Another BJD MLA Am yak of Bhawanipat is yet to appear before the agency officials. Informed sources said he would be quizzed soon.

A private regiol news channel had broadcast footage in which the four MLAs were allegedly seen demanding money from a person posing as an industrialist for the issuance of no-objection certificate and support during land acquisition to facilitate setting up of projects.

The vigilance officials are also trying to question an online portal owner Rabi Sharma who is said to have conducted the sting.

Even though the investigating agency issued several notices, he did not turn up for questioning. The anti-corruption agency wanted the origil footage of the sting to conduct a forensic examition. (IANS)