Lokesh Sharma Turns Approver in Phone Tapping Case Linked to Rajasthan Political Crisis

Lokesh Sharma, the former Officer on Special Duty to Rajasthan's ex-Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot, has become an approver in a phone tapping case from 2020. This incident occurred during a political crisis in the state. In March 2021, Delhi Police filed an FIR against Sharma for criminal conspiracy and unlawful interception of calls. This was based on a complaint by Union Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat.

Sharma recently approached the chief judicial magistrate at Patiala House Courts in Delhi. The court accepted his application last Monday. Following this, Sharma expressed concerns about his and his family's safety due to frequent threats. His lawyer, Rohan Vadhwa, stated that after Sharma's confession before the magistrate and no objection from the crime branch, he was pardoned and became an approver.

Phone Tapping Allegations

Sharma has accused Gehlot of orchestrating phone taps and provided evidence to support this claim. He submitted a seven-page statement detailing events from July 16, 2020. On that day, he allegedly received a pen drive with call recordings from Gehlot for media distribution. Sharma claimed that several Congress MLAs' phones were intercepted on Gehlot's orders during the crisis.

In April this year, Sharma publicly alleged that an audio clip of a conversation between Shekhawat and Congress leaders was given to him by Gehlot. He stated that Gehlot called him to the chief minister's residence and handed him a pen drive. Gehlot instructed him to circulate its contents to newspapers.

Political Crisis Background

The 2020 political turmoil in Rajasthan stemmed from a rebellion led by Sachin Pilot and 18 other Congress leaders against Gehlot's leadership. During this period, clips of alleged conversations between Shekhawat and Congress leaders emerged. Gehlot accused Shekhawat of attempting a coup.

Vadhwa explained that no names were mentioned in Sharma's application as accused since the crime branch is still investigating. The court decided to pardon Sharma to gather crucial evidence against others involved in the conspiracy. Once the investigation concludes, a chargesheet will be filed, and Sharma will serve as a witness during the trial.

Sharma also claimed that key officials like the chief secretary, DGP, home secretary, and principal secretary to CM knew about the phone tapping. He alleged that Gehlot received transcriptions of each intercepted call.

Sharma reiterated his concerns about safety after revealing these details. "I am worried about me and my family's safety," he said when contacted.