Tytler asks for CBI probe into shoe-throwing on Chidambaram

New Delhi, Apr 20 (ANI): Former Union Minister Jagdish Tytler on Monday asked for a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) probe into the incident of shoe-throwing by a journalist on Home Minister P Chidambaram, which had brought Tytler's role in the 1984 Sikh riots to the centerstage.

On April 7, Jarnail Singh, a journalist of the Dainik Jagran newspaper, had thrown a shoe at Chidambaram during a press conference at the Congress headquarters in New Delhi.Jarnail Singh had asked Chidambaram to explain over giving a clean chit to Tytler in the 1984 Sikh riots by the CBI.

The incident was followed by widespread protests by members of the Sikh community, which had apparently led to the Congress asking him not to contest the elections.

Talking to reporters here, Tytler said that he suspected a conspiracy by some people to damage his goodwill and political career.

"The premier agency should investigate to find out who coaxed journalist Jarnail Singh to throw his shoe at Home Minister P Chidambaram, triggering a spate of demonstrations in no time. There seems to be more than what meets the eye," he said.

Justifying his belief, Tytler asked that how could a journalist who had never covered Congress as a beat sit in the front row just to throw a shoe at the minister.

He further questioned that how could only one TV Channel capture the entire shoe-throwing act when other channels at the spot failed to cover it.

Claiming innocence in the whole case, Tytler said that there was not a single affidavit filed against him in the court that could prove his involvement in the 1984 riots.

He pointed out that more than 10 commissions were set up during the Congress as well as the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) governments, but none could prove that he had any connection with the case.

Appearing undeterred by the charges against him, Tytler said that he is busy campaigning for Delhi Pradesh Congress Committee (DPCC) chief J P Agarwal who has replaced him in the North East Delhi seat.

Putting up a confident front, Tytler said that the Sikhs had always supported him and his party and would continue to do so. (ANI)