India’s premier anti corruption agency – Central Bureau of Investigation has summoned Uttrakhand Chief Minister Harish Rawat in connection with a sting operation probe.
In an alleged sting operation conducted by news channel Samachar Plus and released by rebel Congress MLAs, Uttarakhand Chief Minister Harish Rawat was allegedly shown offering bribe to rebel MLAs to save his government.
Nine Congress MLAs led by former chief minister Vijay Bahuguna had demanded division of votes on March 18 when Harish Rawat’s government presented the state budget.
Uttarakhand High Court refused to quash the ongoing CBI probe in the alleged sting CD.
Disqualification of 9 rebel MLAs by Uttarakhand Speaker Govind Singh Kunjwal had led to a constitutional crises in the state as the Centre has imposed President’s rule following the broadcast of the alleged sting operation.
Under the President rule, Uttarakhand government has referred the matter of alleged sting probe to Central Bureau of Investigation which Harish Rawat tried to avoid taking charge as Chief Minister of the state following his victory in a Supreme Court monitored trust vote early this month.
However, the CBI refused to comply with the advice of Uttarakhand government after the change of guard.
CBI has asked Harish Rawat to appear before it on Tuesday.
Earlier, it had summoned him to appear before it on 9th of this month. However, the Chief Minister did not appear before the CBI due to health reasons. Two days back, Uttarakhand High Court had refused to quash the ongoing CBI probe into the sting operation.
