EC seeks report from Bengal about 'sting operation' on BJP leader

The Election Commission on Tuesday sought a detailed report, within 24 hours, from the West Bengal home secretary on a specific complaint from BJP leader Rahul Sinha on police having been used to carry out a sting operation on him, a poll panel official said on Tuesday.

"BJP's Rahul Sinha today (Tuesday) gave a presentation before us and on the basis of that, the Commission has asked for a detailed factual report from the home secretary within 24 hours," said additional chief electoral officer Dibyendu Sarkar.

He also said Sinha demanded a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) probe on the alleged sting operation and sought action against city police commissioner Rajeev Kumar.

Prior to Sinha's representation, the commission wrote to the state home department on Tuesday morning asking for a report on the same issue after the Bharatiya Janata Party moved the commission on Monday.

"We are expecting a reply to our first letter by this evening," said Sarkar.

Sinha, a BJP national secretary, alleged that the police were trying to "cover up the issue" by announcing a mere departmental probe against the accused Special Branch personnel of the city police.

"We demand a CBI probe. It was a conspiracy. Had it not been a conspiracy they would have been arrested," he told the media at the EC office.

He alleged the attempt was intended to malign the BJP and deflect people's attention from the Narada sting operation.

Sinha said Kumar acted as per Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee's instructions.

"We have learnt from the sources that Kolkata police commissioner had drawn up the entire plan of the sting operation following the instruction from chief minister. We have demanded suspension of the police commissioner" said Sinha.

BJP chief Amit Shah also demanded the top cop's removal.