Radia tapes: ‘MHA didn’t issue probe orders to C

NEW DELHI: Union Home Minister P Chidambaram on Tuesday denied reports about his ministry issuing orders for a probe or inquiry into the leakage of the Niira Radia conversation tapes to either
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NEW DELHI: Union Home Minister P Chidambaram on Tuesday denied reports about his ministry issuing orders for a probe or inquiry into the leakage of the Niira Radia conversation tapes to either Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT) or the Intelligence Bureau.

On Monday the Home Ministry, in a release, had categorically said, “The Ministry of Home Affairs has asked the IB and CBDT to probe the leakage of tapes concerning Nira Radia.”  “There has been some misunderstanding. We have not ordered an inquiry. The CBDT is inquiring into the matter. It was the CBDT which had ordered the interceptions and it is looking into the alleged leakage of the tapes,” Chidambaram said putting the onus on the Finance Ministry at his monthly press briefing.

On being specifically asked by ‘Express’ that Home Ministry had also mentioned IB doing a probe, he said, “No, the Intelligence Bureau has not been told to do any inquiry.” Sources, however, maintained that the interception is always ordered by the Union Home Secretary and it is he who also orders discontinuation of tapping and destruction of tapes.

Chidambaram was queried persistently by the media about his meeting with Chief Vigilance Commissioner (CVC)  P J Thomas on Monday - whether Thomas visited him to take a final call for putting in his papers as the CVC as his position became untenable after the Supreme Court observations.

“I made no suggestion and he made no offer,” he said refusing to get into any  details with regard to controversy involving Chief Vigilance Commissioner.  “You better ask DoPT,” the Home  Minister said. However,  sources said that Thomas called on the Home Minister to seek advice as Chidambaram was the one who had batted for him to get the post.

Thomas, sources added, has been asked to put in his papers to the President to save the government from the embarrassment of impeaching him. He is likely to approach  President Pratibha Patil on Wednesday.

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