Dicky Christanto, Jakarta – Questions over the thoroughness of a police investigation into the implausibly large bank accounts of several high-ranking National Police chiefs have caused a rift within the presidential taskforce.

Denny Indrayana, a civilian member of the taskforce, sent a short text message to several journalists on Thursday saying that the police's investigation into the scandal, which had cleared 17 of the 23 accounts, had been inadequate.

"The police's results leave so many questions and therefore President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono has ordered the National Police chief to conduct a second investigation," Denny said in the message.

President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono summoned National Police Chief Gen. Bambang Hendarso Danuri last Saturday to update him about the investigation.

National Police spokesman Insp. Gen. Edward Aritonang said Denny should have voiced his criticism in private. However, Edward said, the police would not take Denny's action personally.

Edward said that Insp. Gen. Herman Effendi, one of the presidential taskforce's members from the police force, had officially tendered his resignation. He said the police had not influenced his decision.

Edward said he was not aware if Herman's resignation was related to Denny's message. It had been reported that Herman had decided to resign after a heated discussion with other members of the taskforce.

Herman reportedly had disagreed with other members of the taskforce who had proposed the police launch a second investigation into the case. The other members reportedly called Herman "uncooperative".

Edward said Herman had told his colleagues that during the argument Denny said the bank accounts were related to the "judiciary mafia". "If he has proof that could confirm his statement, it would be better if he comes to us," Edward said.

Edward also said that according to Herman's account of the argument, Denny had told Herman that if Herman did not disagree with the others it meant Herman was part of the mafia.

Taskforce member Mas Achmad Santosa said the spat was not a major issue. "No big deal. None of those situations has resulted in an internal fracture within our organization," he said.

Edward said the taskforce had not responded to Herman's resignation.