The controversy started with a tweet from Kejriwal who attached a news report in his tweet with a comment, "CBI summons Delhi CM staff 'informally' on phone without notice. Staff of other ministers' called earlier like this."
He said the government has nothing to hide, but CBI should follow proper procedure.
In series of his tweets, Kejriwal said, "Which sec of CrPC empowers CBI to summon on ph? Till now, more than 150 officers summoned on ph(sic)".
Refuting the allegations CBI claimed that Kejriwal was in loop with the calling of witnesses and had given approval for their appearance.
CBI sources quoted a letter received yesterday from Kejriwal's office signed by Bhupender Kumar, Joint Secretary (Administration) saying, "Please refer to your telephonic conversations with J S Rawat regarding appearance of following persons at CBI Headquarters on March 8, 2016 at 10.30 am."
"...The matter was discussed with Chief Minister wherein he has desired that in view of day to day work it would not be possible to send all the three officials of this office to CBI Headquarters at a time.
The sources said the CBI responded immediately informing him that while Rawat will appear at 11 am today the remaining two--Sasi AE, PA to Rajendra Kumar and Yogesh LDC can appear for questioning on March 9 at different times.
Rawat, PA of Kumar, appeared for questioning, they said.
They said if the Chief Minister had any objection, he could have expressed in the correspondence yesterday exchanged through fax.
If the witnesses refuse to join the probe then a notice
is issued under Section 160 of CrPC but then the witness will have to appear at a given time and date, they claimed.
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