The Union government on Monday ordered an inquiry into how the recorded tapes of conversations between corporate lobbyist Niira Radia and various businessmen, politicians and journalists were leaked.
While the Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT), which had tapped the conversations, will conduct the inquiry, the Intelligence Bureau (IB) has been asked to submit a report to the government after finding out who leaked the conversations, how and to whom, sources in the Home Ministry said.
Transcripts of about 100 conversations were reported by several magazines over the past week or so, bringing the tapes into the public domain.
The CBDT and its subordinate departments like the Income-Tax Department had conducted phone tappings over a period of time for which the sanction was accorded by the Ministry.
According to the CBI, which is probing the 2G spectrum allocation scam, it was examining transcripts relating to nearly 5,000 calls.
Tata moves court
The order to probe the “Radia tapes'' leakage came within hours of Tata group chief Ratan Tata approaching the Supreme Court, seeking action against those involved in the leak of tapes containing his conversation with Ms. Radia.
Mr. Tata contended that the leakage had infringed upon his fundamental right to life, which includes right to privacy.
The CBI has informed the court that Ms. Radia's role will be investigated as part of the inquiry into the 2G scam.
