Rajasthan’s SOG serves notice against Shekhawat

Union minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat has been served notice by the Special Operations Group of the Rajasthan police in the investigation into allegations of a conspiracy to pull down the Rajasthan government.

The subpoena was sent to the personal secretary of Shekhawat under Section 160 of the CrPC in connection with two audio tapes, in one of which the minister is allegedly heard during a purported conversation to topple the Rajasthan government. The FIR does not identify Gajendra Singh referred in the clip as Union minister Shekhawat, a senior BJP leader from Rajasthan.

Shekhawat on Monday, questioned the authenticity of the audio tapes and said, “They (police) should first clarify about authenticity of these tapes. Who recorded it and where did the SOG get it from. Investigation should be carried out to find out if these tapes are genuine or not.”

ADG (SOG) Ashok Rathore

said, “It is correct that a subpoena was sent to the PS of the Union minister on July 18 through WhatsApp, e-mail and phone call.” He said as investigation involves high dignitaries, the SOG, with all humility and responsibility, is observing due care and caution not to malign image of any person or party.

Meanwhile, the Rajasthan High Court will on Tuesday resume hearing the petition filed by Sachin Pilot and 18 other dissident Congress MLAs, challenging the disqualification notices issued to them by the Assembly Speaker.