Digvijay comes clean;shows proof on Karkare calls

New Delhi, Jan 4: Congress leader Digvijay Singh came out to justify his stand after widespread accusations by politicos and mediapersons on the timing of his statement on Hemant Karkare. He had claimed last month that slain ATS chief Hemant Karkare had called him hours before his death on November 26, 2008. He has clarified his stand in a press conference on Tuesday, Jan 4.

Digvijay in the press conference said, "I am being targeted because I pointed out the issue of Hindu terror groups. Mumbai Police selectively leaked information that no calls were made by Digvijaya Singh to Karkare. Even RR Patil made these claims. I now have got the call records to prove that I spoke to Karkare on the ATS landline. Those who called me a liar, anti-national and Pakistani agents should apologise to me."

Digvijay Singh said in the press conference that Hemant Karkare called him from the Maharashtra ATS office number 022-23087336.He also revealed that Karkare was under immense pressure by the right-wing groups and those accused in the Malegaon blast case, especially Shiv Sena and the BJP.

Digvijay unleashed his answer against his retractors and said, "I called you (RR Patil) on 31.12.2010 objecting to your statement in Maharashtra Assembly that there was no call record on Karkare's phone on 26.11.2008. Your statement showed me in poor light and I was shown as lying to the media. Records show that there was a call made from the number 09425015461 (which is registered with Madhya Pradesh Congress) to the number 022-23087336, which is registered on your ATS website. The call was made at 5.44 PM on 26-11-2008. So I ask you to apologise to me."

Digvijay Singh added that Karkare was morally dispirited by claims by various groups on his dedication and sincerity. He had also expressed displeasure at accusations against his son and other family members.

Digvijay Singh's statements were scathing towards the BJP as well, and he said, ""I want to ask (LK) Advaniji and Rajnathji why they went to meet the PM after Sadhvi Pragya was arrested in the Malegaon blast. Why did Rajnathji went to the jail to meet her? BJP has to answer these questions before they ask some to my Prime Minister."

He ended the press conference by seeking a apology from Maharashtra Home Minister RR Patil who accused Digvijay Singh of not having any evidence of the telephonic conversation between him and Karkare.

OneIndia News