The Hindu : CBI denies phone-tapping of judge

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Friday, May 09, 2003

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CBI denies phone-tapping of judge

By Our Special Correspondent

NEW DELHI MAY 8. Concerned over reports of alleged phone-tapping of a Delhi High Court judge which put the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) in the dock, the agency today clarified that at no point of time had it tapped the telephone of any judge.

The reports said a CBI officer had threatened the judge. A senior Joint Director was deputed by the CBI Director, P.C. Sharma, to meet the judge and convey their concern over the reported remarks. The Joint Director called on the judge and made a request for disclosing the name of the CBI officer who had allegedly threatened him. However, the judge did not divulge any information to them, a CBI spokesman said today.

"The CBI has noted these allegations in all possible seriousness and has resolved to take the strictest possible action against the delinquent officer if his misconduct is established in the matter,'' the agency said in a clarification.

In another development, the CBI chief ordered the DDA scam probe team to ensure polite handling of the witnesses called for questioning with due human consideration leaving no scope for harassment or physical discomfort.

Mr. Sharma said that a senior CBI officer might liaise with the DDA Vice-Chairman for the appointment of a nodal officer who could be contacted for taking over documents for investigation and summoning witnesses. The Director has emphasised that the investigation should be conducted thoroughly and professionally while refraining from doing anything that demoralised DDA officials and discouraged them from performing their normal duties.

"For the sake of investigation, no doubt, requisitioning of relevant files of the DDA is necessary. Similarly, calling witness relating to transactions under investigation is also necessary. But while doing so, we should keep in mind that the DDA is a public office and is doing a great service to the residents of Delhi,'' Mr. Sharma said.

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