U’khand sting: CBI questions journalist

The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) on Friday questioned a journalist as part of its preliminary enquiry into the alleged sting operation, in which the then Uttarakhand Chief Minister Harish Rawat was purportedly seen talking to middlemen in a bid to strike a deal with dissident Congress MLAs.

CBI sources said Umesh Kumar, the journalist allegedly involved in the sting operation, was questioned by the agency for nearly two and half hours at the CBI headquarters here. “CBI has asked me to provide raw footage of the sting which I will give tommorow,” Umesh said, coming out of the CBI office. The sources said the preliminary enquiry was registered on the instructions of the state government which is under President’s rule and further notification from the central government.

Two days before Rawat was to face the vote of confidence on March 28, rebel Congress MLAs led by former chief minister Vijay Bahuguna alleged that they were offered bribe by Rawat for support during the floor test in the Assembly and released video of a “sting” operation purportedly showing Rawat who called it “fake”.