New Delhi, January 14
Even as Samajwadi Party leader Amar Singh continued to meet leaders of various political parties over the phone-tapping issue, the Centre today categorically stated that the investigations into the phone tapping case have revealed that it was a “sting operation by a private detective agency and there was no hand of any political party or personality.”
“I have received the latest investigation report from the Delhi Police Commissioner. I wish to confirm that the investigations have revealed that the phone tapping case was a sting operation organised by a private detective along with some others for purposes of monetary and other gains,” Union Home Secretary V K Duggal told newspersons here.
The Home Secretary also asserted that there was no indication of the involvement of any political party or political personality in the phone-tapping episode, which has kicked a political storm.
This statement assumes great significance as it comes a day after Mr Amar Singh presented himself before the Delhi Police for questioning with regard to the tapping case.
Mr Duggal, however, refused to divulge any further information relating to the case saying the case is being investigated by the Delhi Police and that it would file a
charge sheet in the case in an appropriate court as per the provisions of the law.
“The responsibility of the Delhi Police and the Home Ministry is cut out and at this juncture, when the Delhi Police’s investigation is in progress I do not want to divulge any further information. You will get to know the details from the Delhi Police once it files a
charge sheet in the case,” Mr Duggal said. He also refused to comment on whether or not any industrialist or a business group was behind the phone-tapping incident.
Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Mulayam Singh Yadav and Mr Amar Singh have been targeting Congress President Sonia Gandhi accusing her of having directed the tapping of the phones of Mr Amar Singh and some other Samajwadi Party leaders. The Central Government and the Congress had denied these charges on December 30, 2005 itself when this allegation was levelled by Mr Yadav at a Press conference in Lucknow.
Replying to a question, Union Home Secretary said it was “absolutely clear” that the documents were “forged” and the entire affair was a “sting operation”.
