DMK alleges central agencies tapping phones, demands probe by poll panel

CHENNAI: Alleging that central agencies like CBI, ED and I-T were tapping phones of its leaders and candidates, the DMK on Tuesday petitioned the Election Commission of India (ECI) to probe the illegal and undemocratic activity by the Union government.

In his representation to the Chief Election Commissioner, DMK organising secretary RS Bharathi alleged that after the notification of the Lok Sabha polls, they have learnt that the mobile phones of the DMK candidates, its frontline leaders, their friends and close relatives were being illegally tapped by central agencies like Enforcement Directorate, CBI, Income Tax, and other investigation agencies.

“When the ECI is promising and advocating for free and fair elections, it is its bounden duty to immediately intervene and cause a very thorough enquiry in to this anti-democratic actions of the Union government,” Bharathi said in the letter, requesting the CEC to commence an investigation in to the illegal tapping of phones.

The agencies were using illegal software for the purpose of unlawful tapping to create a non-level playing field in electioneering ahead of the crucial general election, Bharathi alleged. This despite the law clearly mandating that no authority can intercept phone conversations except for the purposes of the interests of the sovereignty and integrity of India,

the security of the State, friendly relations with foreign States or public order or for preventing incitement to the commission of an offence. Even for these reasons, phone calls can be intercepted only with the prior permission of designated authorities, he said.

“We cannot be oblivious of the fact that software like Pegasus are said to be used by these agencies against the political opponents,” Bharathi added, citing Section 5 of the Indian Telegraph Act and Rule 419 providing for interception telecommunication under certain contingencies after the approval of specified authorities.

In the petition to the ECI on Tuesday, the party said it should probe the illegal activity by the Centre using ED, CBI and I-T