SIT team takes Tehelka tapes for probe

New Delhi, Sept 27 (UNI) The Special Investigation Team (SIT), probing the Jessica Lall murder case, today went to 'Tehelka's' office following the startling disclosures by it of bribes being paid to influence witnesses in the case.

The SIT team took the tapes, which allegedly contained the recordings of how coersion and bribe were used to influence three prime witnesses in the Jessica murder case, said a senior police official.

'Tehelka' has carried out a three-month long 'sting' operation against three key witnesses -- Shyan Munshi, Karan Rajput and Shiv Das -- whose backing off from giving evidence led to the case falling in the court and ultimately the acquittal of main accused Manu Sharma.

The 'operation' revealed how money and muscle power was used to coerce the three into changing their stand in court despite having given statements, nailing accused Manu Sharma, to the police.

Model Jessica Lal was shot dead at a posh South Delhi restaurant 'Tamarind Court' at Qutub Colonnade, allegedly by Manu Sharma -- son of Venod Sharma and an influential Congress leader in Haryana -- for refusing to serve him a drink at a party on April 29, 1999.

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