Maharashtra government announces high-level investigation into congressional leader’s wiretapping allegation – the New Indian Express

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By PTI

MUMBAI (Reuters) – Maharashtra Interior Minister Dilip Walse Patil on Tuesday announced a high-level investigation into allegations by Congressman and party chairman Nana Patole that his phone was tapped during the previous state government led by the BJP.

Earlier this year, Patole alleged that with his phone, the phones of several prominent leaders of the NCP, BJP, Shiv Sena as well as those of IAS and IPS officers were also wiretapped. 2016-2017 during the previous government led by Devendra Fadnavis.

The congressman had demanded a high-level investigation into the case. Speaking in the Legislature on Tuesday, Walse Patil said the issue needed to be looked into. “A high-level investigation will be carried out and action will be taken,” the minister said, adding that a report on the matter will be tabled in the House during the next session of the Legislative Assembly.

He said police officials had to provide phone numbers and reasons for the surveillance while requesting permission from the additional chief secretary (Home). State Water Resources Minister Jayant Patil sought to find out how many lawmakers were under scrutiny.

Patole asked on whose instructions the wiretapping was carried out. The congressman said his phone was tapped by police on the pretext that it belonged to a certain Amjad Khan, who was involved in drug trafficking. “This is an attack on the freedom of an individual,” Patole said.

“Why was my phone number linked to a Muslim name and a drug dealer. Didn’t officials know I was an MP (at the time)? ” He asked. Patole left the BJP in December 2017 when he was a member of this party. He then returned to Congress.

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