The Mamata Banerjee government on Friday ordered a police inquiry into the Narada News sting operation which had rocked the State during Assembly polls.
“Today I have discussed the matter with Chief Secretary and Home Secretary in detail… I have issued an order for police to look into the total episode for investigation and action, according to law,” Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee told journalists at the State Secretariat.
The inquiry will be conducted by Kolkata Police, headed by Rajiv Kumar.
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Eleven senior Trinamool Congress leaders, including MPs and State Cabinet Ministers, and a senior police officer were caught on camera negotiation with employees of the fictitious company.
Ms. Banerjee said that the investigation will try to unearth the ‘conspiracy’ behind the developments.
“During the polls, the provocation, excitement and conspiracy resulted in adverse reaction among the people. We want that truth behind it to be brought out. I still believe there is conspiracy behind this..,” Ms Banerjee said. She said that the party has unanimously requested her to take a decision regarding the Narada investigation.
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“Before the polls I had publicly said that I would have ordered an inquiry if elections were not announced…Even then for transparency a committee at the party level headed by Sudip Bandyopadhyay, [Subrata] Bakshi and Kalyan Banerjee was set up. They left the decision on me,” she added.
The Calcutta High Court is also hearing the matter. The court had constituted a three-member committee to collect videotape footage of the sting.
Reacting to the developments, CPI(M) MLA Sujan Chakravarty said a "fresh plot had been hatched to cover up the scam." BJP vice-president Joyprakash Majumadar demanded a CBI inquiry, while Congress leader Abdul Mannan said that it is "an attempt to fool the people."