As his charge sinks, Jogi latches on to a JPC probe

Even as the Congress has distanced itself from the controversy surrounding Ajit Jogi’s Operation Black Sea allegation, the Chhattisgarh...

Even as the Congress has distanced itself from the controversy surrounding Ajit Jogi’s Operation Black Sea allegation, the Chhattisgarh Chief Minister has sought an inquiry by a joint parliamentary committee (JPC) into the issue.

In a letter to Prime Minister A.B. Vajpayee today, Jogi said: ‘‘How can one central agency inquire into the working of another central agency? How is the CBI competent to inquire into the operations of the IB (which, according to him, has launched the Operation against him)? It is laughable. It is like asking a thanedar (SHO) to probe the superintendent of police.’’

…But CBI has already registered a forgery, cheating case

NEW DELHI: Notwithstanding Ajit Jogi’s last frantic attempt to avoid a CBI inquiry by seeking a JPC probe, the agency, acting fast on the PM’s direction, registered a case tonight. Official sources said the case of forgery and cheating, over a so-called IB document submitted by Jogi, would be investigated by an officer of the rank of a DIG. BJP general secretary Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi also joined issue with Jogi today, describing his Operation Black Sea allegation as ‘‘the biggest political fraud’’. Given the scale of scandals which had marked Jogi’s rule, he added, Chhattisgarh was a ‘‘fit case’’ for President’s rule. Asked to elaborate, Naqvi said Jogi was accused of having links with anti-national elements like Naxalites. The BJP leader denied he was demanding Jogi’s dismissal. (ENS)

Jogi also alleged that Vajpayee had ‘‘prejudged’’ his charge that the Intelligence Bureau had launched the Operation Black Sea to ‘‘fabricate’’ incriminating evidence against Congress leaders like himself. Vajpayee yesterday said the IB document Jogi had provided as proof was forged. ‘‘Ordering a CBI probe is like confirming the already prejudged forgery through another central agency,’’ the CM said.

Story continues below this ad

In his letter, Jogi added: ‘‘It is hardly surprising that the Intelligence Bureau has not admitted to mischievous operations against political opponents, which to my information have been underway in the bureau…On the contrary, I am surprised that, without any independent assessment, you have chosen to go by the Intelligence Bureau’s version and have, based on that, already concluded that the document forwarded to you is forged.’’

Stating that the ‘‘core issue’’ of the misuse of the IB was being overlooked, Jogi said: ‘‘I would appreciate if you agree to an independent inquiry by a joint parliamentary committee in regard to the issue raised by me. During the course of such an inquiry alone can facts with regard to Operation Black Sea and the veracity of the document forwarded to you can be ascertained beyond doubt.’’

The CM also assured his support to a JPC inquiry. ‘‘There is no reason why, like any other citizen of the country, I should not cooperate in any inquiry that is conducted by such an independent and impartial body which is not under the influence or control of the Government of India.’’

Meanwhile, Chhattisgarh BJP president Raman Singh has reiterated his demand that Jogi resign.

Once an MP, rape-convict Prajwal Revanna is now a clerk at prison library

Cities7 hr ago

Former JD(S) MP Prajwal Revanna, grandson of former PM H D Deve Gowda, has been assigned clerical duties at Parappana Agrahara Central Prison after receiving a life sentence for rape. He earns Rs 520 per day and faces multiple charges stemming from four cases, with evidence including videos of the assaults recorded on his phone. He was found guilty in one case and still faces trial in the others.

View all shorts

Live Blog