Talk to AK programme probe: CBI team at Dy CM’s residence

Team Udayavani, Jun 16, 2017, 2:27 PM IST

New Delhi: The CBI on Friday visited the residence of Delhi Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia to “seek clarifications” in its probe into “irregularities” in the AAP government’s social media campaign “Talk to AK”.

The agency had in January registered a preliminary enquiry (PE) in the matter following a complaint filed by the Vigilance Department of the Delhi government.

While there was speculation that a raid was being conducted, CBI said no search or raid was conducted at the premises of Sisodia. According to rules, no search or raid can be conducted under a PE.

Sources said the investigators have also sought clarification from a consultant of a well-known public relations company was hired by the Delhi government to promote “Talk to AK” (Talk to Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal) campaign.

The PE was registered based on a complaint filed by the Vigilance Department of the Delhi government in which it was claimed that a consultant of a well-known public relations company was hired by the Delhi government to promote the campaign.

The proposal for Rs 1.5 crore was given a go-ahead despite objections from the Principal Secretary and created a liability for the government.

The CBI had in January enquired from officials of the Information and Publicity Department about the programme to gather more information on the case.

“When not a penny was spent on Talk to AK programme, how does CBI come into the picture ? Caged parrot not briefed properly by masters again. Caged parrot CBI feeding false info to its PROs. No consultant was hired for Talk To Ak – challenge anyone to show any payment made!” government spokesperson Nagender Sharma tweeted.