Saradha Chitfund scam: CBI arrests Mumbai based model for alleged links with scam

Bhubaneswar, Oct 10: CBI on Friday arrested a Mumbai-based model and tele-serial producer Preeti Bhatia, for her alleged link with Artha Tatwa Group which is accused of duping investors in the multi-crore Saradha scam.

Preeti was arrested after it was found by CBI that funds from Artha Tatwa (AT) Group had been diverted to her personal, company and relatives' accounts without any valid reason, CBI officials said.

The investigation agency, which has been probing the money circulation of AT Group, summoned Bhatia after being informed that the chief of the group, Pradeep Sethi had invested in serial and movie production through her, they said.

Asked about reports that she had taken Rs 4 crore from AT Group, she had said, "I am not involved in any stupid chit (fund) scam."

Allegations have been made that AT Group had put money into Odiya film industry, Bollywood, and serial productions through a Mumbai-based production house.

CBI had earlier raided Bhatia's house in Mumbai in August.

(With inputs from agencies)