Will move SC against Narada probe order: Mamata

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Friday termed as "unfortunate" the Calcutta High Court order for a CBI probe into the Narada sting footage case, and said the order will be challenged in the Supreme Court.

"My government and the party (Trinamool Congress) will go to the higher court for justice," a furious Banerjee told the media here.

As for the order's timing, she said: "You also understand; I also understand the game."

The high court on Friday ordered the CBI to conduct a preliminary inquiry within 72 hours.

In the clip uploaded by Narada News portal, prominent leaders of the ruling Trinamool Congress are allegedly seen taking money.

Claiming political vendetta, she attacked the Bharatiya Janata Party for the "planned" controversy.

"It was planned. It was planted. The sting was published from the BJP office at the time of assembly elections," she said, adding that the West Bengal Police was not allowed to conduct an investigation as to why the footage was released before the elections.

"Within 24 hours of ordering the probe, the high court asked us to stop this. Kolkata Police is the best force in the world," she said.

"It is in public domain as to what BJP state President said... that after Uttar Pradesh elections, Central Bureau of Investigation probe will be ordered. It is most unfortunate. As a lawyer, I am really shocked. How did the BJP leader know in advance what the court is going to order," the Chief Minister said without naming BJP state President Dilip Ghosh.

She said this aspect will be highlighted in the apex court.

Banerjee said three of her ministers, seen in the video clip, had only taken donations.

"During elections, one can take amounts of Rs one lakh, Rs two lakh as donation. It is allowed by the Election Commission, which has fixed ceiling for such donations. We have submitted income tax returns. We have given all reports to the EC also," the Trinamool Congress chief said.

"... and the person who gave the money (reference to Narada News CEO Mathew Samuel) is also an offender. But nothing was done against him. Why had he come to blackmail us," she asked.

A division bench, comprising acting Chief Justice Nishita Mhatre and Justice Tapabrata Chakraborty, termed the police a puppet and ordered the CBI to take possession within 24 hours of all devices, now in court possession, used in the sting operation.

--IANS

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