Centre tells Tehelka panel motives not your concern

CBI officials, however, said no instructions had been received yet—the agency’s stand has been that no FIR was needed pending the Phukan Commission probe.

Any FIR will assume political significance given the cast of characters in the tapes: from former BJP president Bangaru Laxman to JD (U) leader Jaya Jaitley.

The Centre’s affidavit to the commission says that its scope of enquiry was limited to finding out whether or not there was truth in the allegations that bribes were paid in defence deals as shown in the tapes. The question of motive behind the expose and the journalistic ethics of the portal fell outside the Commission’s scope of inquiry, said the affidavit submitted by the Finance Ministry. It said that the allegations of violations of tax laws, SEBI regulations, enforcement and other regulations also fell outside the scope of the Commission as it was being dealt by appropriate authorities.

The Commission adjourned the hearing until October 8 to give time to parties concerned to respond to the new affidavit.

Having been at the receiving end from the NDA over the ‘‘tainted ministers’’ issue, the UPA govt hopes that with Tehelka, it will take the battle to the Opposition camp before the Maharashtra Assembly polls.