HC-protected lawyer to appear before CBI

Sheltered under an interim protection of the Orissa High Court, former additional government advocate Devashis Panda would appear before the CBI investigation officer on April 2 in connection with the multi-crore rupee chit fund scam.
The High Court, while adjudicating over an anticipatory bail application of Panda, today gave this direction when CBI pleaded before the Court that the appearance of the accused before the IO is necessary to carry forward the investigation in the chit fund scam.
CBI had in June last year booked Panda for alleged commission of offence under several sections of IPC and the Prize Chits and Money Circulation Scheme (Banning) Act of 1978. Apprehending arrest, Panda had moved the High Court seeking anticipatory bail.

In October last year, the HC had given an interim protection to Panda stating that in the event of Panda's arrest by CBI, he shall be released on bail by furnishing a personal bond of Rs 10,000. This interim protection of the HC is still continuing.