CBI detains former Assam CM's son Ashok Saikia in 1996 ASCARD bank loan scam case

GUWAHATI: The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) today detained Ashok Saikia, the eldest son of former Assam Chief Minister Late Hiteswar Saikia, in a case related to a loan of Assam State Cooperative and Agriculture Development (ASCARD ) Bank in 1998.

Ashok Saikia, also the brother of the leader of Opposition in Assam Legislative Assembly Debarata Saikia was arrested from his Guwahati residence after CBI today raided his residence in connection with the Rs 9.37 lakh ASCARD bank loan scam.

Case No. 202/1998 was registered at the Paltan Bazar Police Station, according to reports.

The case was later handed over to the CBI in 2001 after complaints (Nos. 5/E/2001 and 6/E/2001) were filed with the CBI's Kolkata Branch.

In the 6/E/2001 case, Ashok Saikia was convicted in 2013.

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Reports also suggest that Saikia absconded after appearing in court.

Meanwhile, in a statement, Ashok Saikia said, "I have availed loan from the ASCARD  bank in the year 1996 for doing establish a business. But later I have already cleared the dues of the bank following a settlement with the ban. On October 10, 2015,  then General Manager in charge of the bank H.N. Borah informed me by a letter."

The bank letter reads: "Ashok Kumar Saikia, Director, HBS India Pvt. Ltd was a loanee of Assam State Co-operative Agriculture and Rural Development (ASCARD) Bank Limited. He has availed loan amount of Rs 9,37,701 only under Bridge Loan Scheme during the year 1996. As per our letter dated 14.09.2011 under the compromise settlement scheme he has fully repaid the dues both principal and interest. Now his aforesaid loan is liquidated.”

He has also claimed that he has received no prior notice before the CBI raided his house today and informed him that he has dues to clear in the bank related to the loan.

Saikia has been detained by the CBI for further interrogation.

He will now have to appear in a special CBI court on November 9, 2021.

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