Terming the arrest of former advocate General (AG) Ashok Mohanty by CBI as "unfortunate", the legal fraternity here today criticised the CBI accusing it of highhandedness.
State Bar Council Chairman Manas Ranjan Mohapatra reacting to the arrest said CBI has arrested the former AG with political connotation.
A team of CBI sleuths arrested Mohanty from his Markat Nagar residence here and immediately took him to CBI regional office at Bhubaneswar.
Mohanty, who served as the AG since 2009 had tendered his resignation on May 17 after result of the State Assembly election was declared on May 16.
However, his resignation was accepted on September 12, a day before he was summoned by CBI for questioning in connection with his purchase of a plot and building from Artha Tatwa CMD Pradip Sethi.
While being shifted to Bhubaneswar after his arrest, Mohanty told mediapersons that he was innocent and the deal he made was bona fide.
"I haven't done any mistake. Truth will ultimately come out and prevail," Mohanty said appealing people to have faith on him.
The arrest of Mohanty, who was until a fortnight ago was holding an important Constitutional post, has shocked the legal fraternity here, which houses the State High Court and dozens of other courts and tribunals.
