LTC fraud: JD(U) seeks explanation from party MP Anil Sahni

Sahni, who came to Patna to meet Nitish, told reporters, “I have fallen victim to a political conspiracy. I was the one who alerted CBI about fraud in LTC claims. I was the whistleblower, but was framed. I am consulting lawyers to file a defamation suit (against CBI)… There is no question of resigning on moral grounds as I have not done anything wrong.”

Sahni is likely to meet Nitish late on Friday or Saturday.

Hailing from EBC category, Sahni is son of former MP Madan Sahni.

CBI had filed a chargesheet against Sahni, alleging that he, in collusion with others, used forged e-tickets and fake boarding passes to defraud Rajya Sabha to the tune of Rs 23.71 lakh.

Members of Rajya Sabha and Lok Sabha get 34 free air tickets in a year for themselves, their family members and associates for domestic travel.

JD(U) spokesperson K C Tyagi told The Indian Express: “We have asked him to tell his side of the story with proofs to party president Nitish Kumar and former party president Sharad Yadav. When the matter first came up in 2013, we had issued a notice, asking him to explain his position… we have again demanded an explanation. Nitish Kumar has said there should be a thorough internal inquiry.”

Asked if JD (U) views it as a case of “political vendetta”, Tyagi said: “We will not jump the gun before we complete our internal probe.” A Nitish aide said: “The party is embarrassed with the episode.”