Enact law to regulate media sting operations: BJP

New Delhi, Aug 14 (UNI) The BJP today demanded in the Lok Sabha enactment of a law to regulate sting operations by the electronic media even as SP and BSP MPs sought to give a clean chit to Minister of State for Home Manik Rao Gavit, a Congress MP from Maharashtra who, according to a television channel report, had a telephonic conversation with a mafia don jailed in Bulandshahar, Uttar Pradesh.

Leader of Opposition L K Advani said there was need for a law ''in respect of sting operations'' which were banned in many countries.

Several countries had laws which allowed such operations only by government agencies or those officially authorised for the purpose, he said.

Mr Mohan Singh (SP) said he personally knew Mr Gavit and several other MPs could also vouch for the integrity of the Minister and this should be kept in mind while discussing the alleged sting operation. A TV channel yesterday showed the Minister having a conversation with Sundar Singh Bhati on matters relating to the purchase of land by the Minister's son-in-law and the need to prevent a jail official from getting posted in Bulandshahar jail.

Prof Vijay Kumar Malhotra (BJP), however, said if the report was correct it was a ''very, very serious matter.'' Ten Lok Sabha members were expelled following sting operations relating to members taking money for asking questions in the House and allotting funds from the MPs Local Area Development (MPLAD) scheme.

Mr Iliaz Azmi (BSP) said Mr Gavit had been elected eight times and he should not be humiliated like this by the media.

Speaker Somnath Chatterjee said media had an ''important position in our set-up. There may be occasions (like this), (but) we should not criticise the media.'' Endorsing the Speaker's view, Mr Advani said the role of the media was very important, but sting operations were not allowed in many countries.

Refuting the authenticity of the report, the Minister declared that he would not take part in any ''government activities'' till he was proved innocent and offered to face any sort of inquiry and quit politics if the charge was proved.

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