HC seeks Narada files

TT, Calcutta, April 28: The high court today issued an interim order asking the CBI to produce documents relating to its preliminary probe into the Narada sting case on May 10.

Justice Joymalya Bagchi of Calcutta High Court gave the directive in response to a plea by Trinamul Congress MP Aparupa Poddar to quash proceedings against her on the ground that she was not a public servant when the sting operation had been conducted.

The CBI has already lodged an FIR against 12 Trinamul leaders, including Poddar, and an IPS officer in the Narada pay-offs case. They were booked for criminal conspiracy and offences under the Prevention of Corruption Act.

"The CBI is directed to produce the documents of the progress of its investigation in Narada sting case before this court on May 10," Justice Bagchi said.

The judge, however, allowed the CBI to continue its probe into the case and asked Poddar to assist the investigation agency whenever required.

"The petitioner (Poddar) has claimed that when the sting was conducted, she was not an MP and so, the charge under the Prevention of Corruption Act cannot be held against her. Please inform me about your client's view regarding the plea by the petitioner on May 10," Justice Bagchi asked CBI counsel Ashraf Ali.

In the footage aired by Narada, images resembling the Trinamul leaders and the police officer were shown accepting money in return for favours.

The sting operation was conducted before the 2014 Lok Sabha polls but the footage was telecast ahead of last year's Assembly elections. #The CBI filed the FIR following a Calcutta High Court directive to conduct a preliminary enquiry into the case.