(Reopens DEL22)

Some members of the JPC wondered whether the counter-intelligence mechanism of the CBI had failed as the taped conversation was received by the agency from a third entity. Gurudas Dasgupta (CPI) said receiving the taped conversation from a person outside the agency raised serious concerns over national security as it meant that private individuals were now tapping phone calls, a matter which was earlier the exclusive domain of the government. The CBI Director told the Committee that prima facie the voices on the tape were that of Singh and Chandra but the agency was awaiting authentication of the tapes by forensic experts. Opposition members said the episode showed that the working of the CBI needed to be improved.