Lalitgate: CPI demands SC-monitored probe

CPI today demanded Supreme Court to take suo moto notice of 'Modigate' involving External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj and Rajasthan Chief Minister Vasundhara Raje and also sought setting up of a mechanism to probe conducts of the two leaders in the matter.
Swaraj is at the centre of the row for helping Indian "fugitive" and scam-tainted former IPL chief Lalit Modi procure British travel documents, while Raje is accused of backing his immigration plea.
CPI general secretary S Sudhakar Reddy also reiterated the demand for resignation of both Swaraj and Raje from their respective posts.
"It will be appropriate if SC takes suo mottu notice of the entire episode and appoint a Special Investigating mechanism to probe conduct of Swaraj and Raje and also all issues related with frauds of IPL, beneficiaries of the loot in IPL, help to the main accused in transferring black money, violation of FEMA and nexus of politicians and cricket managers.

"As a number of politicians including top ruling ones are involved, only a probe and action by SC is the way out," Reddy said in a statement.
He said Swaraj is "obviously" guilty of charges on the counts of conflict of interest, misuse of her official position for helping an accused and reversing the decision of the previous government using her discretionary powers, "has to go".
"Similarly, Raje too, is totally involved in protecting and helping the accused Lalit Modi. Her crime is more serious as she has asked the British authorities to keep Indian government in dark on her support to Lalit Modi. She should resign forthwith," Reddy added.

Referring to Union Finance Minister Arun Jaitley's reported remarks that the Narendra Modi Government is "collectively responsible" for actions and decisions of Swaraj, CPI said the probe in reversing of decision on Lalit Modi should not be confined only to the Foreign Minister, but cover all concerned departments, including the PMO.