Harish Rawat seeks time to appear before CBI

Ousted Uttarakhand Chief Minister Harish Rawat on Monday sought more time to appear before the CBI to answer questions that he tried to bribe rebel Congress legislators.

"I hope the agency will understand our practical problems and will provide us more time," Rawat told reporters in Dehradun.

"I have clearly said that I will present myself before the CBI and will provide them whatever information they ask," he added.

In New Delhi, CBI officials confirmed to IANS that Rawat had sought more time to appear before them. The Congress veteran had been summoned by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) to Delhi on Monday.

In Dehradun, Rawat also said that he was also ready for a narco test.

The CBI summoned Rawat after it began probing a video that showed Rawat offering money to rebel Congress lawmakers to win their support during a floor test in the 70-member house.

Umesh Kumar, who shot the video, was earlier questioned by the CBI. He reached the CBI headquarters again on Monday.

The BJP had alleged that Rawat tried to win over the rebel Congress lawmakers by offering them money and government posts. Rawat had denied the charge.

A CBI source said a forensic report had confirmed that the CD was genuine and not doctored.

Uttarakhand is without an elected government since Rawat was dismissed following a rebellion in the ruling Congress. The central government imposed President's Rule in the state on March 27.

--IANS

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