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Jethmalani begs for a CBI probe into own affairs

Urban Affairs and Employment Minister Ram Jethmalani Thursday asked the Central Bureau of Investigation to take cognisance of corruption charges levelled against him by Janata Party president Dr Subramanian Swamy.

He asserted that he was prepared to face an inquiry, waiving any legal obstacles that protected ministers against a probe.

In a letter to CBI Director Trinath Mishra, Jethmalani said the agency could exercise all its statutory powers, including search, seizure and arrest.

He said he was hopeful that the CBI chief would ask Dr Swamy to file a first information report. ''If it turns out that he is indulging in one of his usual canards, he should be dealt with under section 182 and/or section 211 of the Indian Penal Code,'' he said.

Jethmalani said he had reason to suspect that some disgruntled officers of his own department were passing on stolen official papers to Dr Swamy. He wanted that this aspect of the matter also be investigated.

He said the CBI chief or his officers were free to interrogate him at any time.

UNI

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