Yashwant insists on tapping charge despite Govt denial

New Delhi, Sep 2:

leader

today said he was not surprised at the government dismissing the charge that his phone was being tapped and insisted that "illegal" tapping is being done.

"It is well known that even Pranab Mukherjee's phone was tapped when he was the Finance Minister. Did the Home Secretary give permission for that? This government is tapping phones without following proper procedure," Sinha told PTI.

Sinha, who had alleged yesterday that his phone was being tapped during the time he had levelled charges of wrong-doing in the Aircel-Maxis deal, was reacting to Union Home Secretary R K Singh's denial that the former Finance Minister's phones were tapped.

He maintained that the Home Secretary would know only about tapping of those phones for which he gives permission. Singh had said earlier today said that he had not ordered tapping of Sinha's phone.

The Home Secretary is the person authorised to order tapping. "Singh's denial has no meaning. I made this charge with full responsibility.

I heard about if from a source in the Intelligence Bureau four months ago. This was further confirmed by another source from the agency some days back.

I am not in the habit of levelling baseless allegations," Sinha said. Sinha alleged that his landline and mobile phones as well as that of his wife were tapped.

He said both legal and illegal tapping is being done by the UPA government. Asked if he is contemplating lodging an FIR or raising this matter at any other forum, Sinha said, "I will not lodge an FIR as I cannot reveal my source."

PTI