Home ministry orders probe

The probe will fix responsibility for the leak after ascertaining how the highly confidential conversations were leaked and at what level. Interestingly, the tapping was done by the CBDT (Investigation) with the due authorisation from the MHA. The tapping is done with sophisticated gadgets as is clear from the clarity of voice that is completely free of any disturbances. The CBI had last year also sought details of taped conversations from the CBDT suspecting Radia’s involvement in the alleged telecom spectrum allocation scam during 2007-08.

The tapes have “revealing” conversations  between Radia and  top industrialists, bureaucrats and well-known  journalists from the print and television media. A major part of the conversations points to strong lobbying for ministerial posts, particularly the key portfolio of communication  during 2009. A part of the tapes suggests scribes trying to be willing mediators between politicians and the corporate clients of Radia.

The MHA ordered the investigation on a day when Tata Group chairman Ratan Tata filed a petition in the Supreme Court seeking action against those involved in the leak of tapes containing his conversation with  Radia.  In  his  petition, Tata  has contended that the leakage of the tapes has infringed upon his fundamental right to life, which includes right to privacy.

Radia’s Vaishnavi Communications manages public relations for Tata groups as also  for several other major  corporate entities. Last week, she was quizzed by the Enforcement Directorate for her alleged involvement in winning second generation  (2-G) telecom licences for certain dubious companies .  

The CBI which is probing the alleged 2G spectrum scam  has examined transcripts relating to 5,000 calls. Nearly 106 tapping records have been made public by two English magazines, the YouTube and  internet web-sites. Senior opposition leaders have in the recent past alleged monitoring/tapping of phone calls by the Centre and have sought judicial intervention. The issue had created a ruckus in Parliament.

In another instance Amar Singh had gone to court when his alleged private conversation with other political leaders including  the then Samajwadi Party MP and former actress Jaya Pradha was allegedly  taped  by central authorities.