Police begins probe into 'conspiracy' against ND Tiwari

Dehra Dun, Oct 8: Police have begun a probe into the claim of

's close aide that the veteran

leader was given sleeping pills for several years as part of a conspiracy. "On the basis of media reports, we have ordered an investigation into the claims of Bhawanidutt Bhatt, an OSD of ND Tiwari, that Tiwari was given sleeping pills after he became the Chief Minister of Uttarakhand (2002-07)," SSP Neeru Garg said on Sunday.

A police team led by DSP TD Baila will submit its report within seven days after questioning Tiwari's private staff and security personnel, Garg added. Bhatt had claimed that, as part of a conspiracy, Tiwari was given sleeping pills four times a day along with his other medicines for years.

The OSD, however, had refused to disclose the identity of the persons involved into the alleged conspiracy and had said they were among his close ones and private staff. 88-year-old Tiwari had refused to comment on the issue. His rivals, however, in the Congress party had termed it a "political stunt" and said Tiwari is trying to gain mileage after he was embroiled in controversies.

PTI