Bhubaneswar, Aug. 11: The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) today quizzed Satyapriya Jaysingh, brother-in-law of food supplies and consumer welfare minister Sanjay Das Burma, for his alleged links with the Artha Tatwa (AT) Group, a money deposit collection company.

Jaysingh, whom the investigating agency had asked to appear on Monday, was today grilled for around five hours at the CBI office in Bhubaneswar.

Jaysingh allegedly received large sums of money from the AT Group through an advertisement agency owned by him. Sources said the agency was incorporated in 2005. "The investigating agency wanted to ascertain whether any money transfer had taken place from the AT Group account to that of my company. I have replied to their queries and the agency will continue with its investigation," Jaysingh told reporters after coming out of the CBI office.

In April last year, the BJP had accused Das Burma of misusing his position as chairman of the Odisha State Housing Board to help Jaysingh acquire 500 acres of the Idco land near Infocity to set up the agency. However, Das Burma had denied the allegations. Sources said Jaysingh held the post of director in a number of companies, including those in the construction and hotel businesses.

In April, the Congress had also accused Das Burma of having received an SUV from the group. Former Congress MLA Lalatendu Bidyadhar Mohapatra had alleged that a Mitsubishi Pajero purchased by AT chief Pradeep Sethy was in the possession of a person called Sanjay Das Burma.

Mohapatra had also produced an affidavit submitted by the CBI before Orissa High Court to substantiate his claim. However, Das Burma vehemently denied the allegations. Later, the CBI had asked the minister to produce documents related to all the vehicles owned by him and his family members.

The CBI so far has interrogated several BJD leaders besides arresting MP Mayurbhanj, Ramchandra Hansdah and Banki MLA Tripathy in connection with the money deposit collection scam. The central agency has also interrogated Balasore MP Rabindra Kumar Jena, BJD legislators Pravat Biswal and Pranab Balabantaray for their alleged involvement in the money laundering scam by Ponzi firms. Tripathy, who is out on bail, has been accused of receiving Rs 42 lakh in cash for extending patronage to Pradeep Sethy, who is in jail.