CBI to probe cable network disputes

Expressing lack of trust in the state agency’s ability to conduct a fair investigation into cases involving Fastway Transmission Private Limited and other cable operators, the Punjab and Haryana High Court has ordered the transfer of probe from the Punjab Police to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI).

The direction came as Justice Sandeep Moudgil asserted that approximately 50 FIRs had been filed against each other by various media houses and cable operators, yet the police had failed to take action and were subjecting them to harassment, allegedly at the behest of influential politicians in the state. Accused facing serious charges continued to evade arrest. Justice Moudgil asserted the court, during the course of hearing, questioned an officer regarding the status of 43 FIRs registered at the instance of Fastway and 12 registered against it. But the state’s response was that no action had so far been taken in those cases.