Conspiracy claims grow louder as ....

Fadnavis denies tampering video recordings

The former CM had said that he had submitted a pen drive containing the video recordings to Deputy Speaker Narhari Zirwal, showing how conspiracies were hatched by the police and members of the MVA to frame BJP leaders

Days after Leader of Opposition Devendra Fadnavis (BJP) accused the Shiv Sena-led Maha Vikas Aghadi government of hatching conspiracies against opponents by dropping a pen drive bomb comprising 125 hours of video recording, special public prosecutor Pravin Chavan on Saturday alleged that the videos are manipulated and made a strong case for an inquiry.

Chavan expressed suspicion that one of his clients could have possibly recorded through a camera hidden inside a wall clock at his office.

In the state assembly on March 8, Fadnavis had said, “What is going on in the state if SPP (special public prosecutor) of the state government plans a conspiracy against us? All these things have happened, I have videos. Who will investigate this? I request you (Speaker) that this must be investigated by the CBI.” He further noted that the opposition has no trust in the ruling MVA government in the state and threatened to go to court against the government demanding a CBI probe.

Fadnavis had said that he had submitted a pen drive containing the video recordings to Deputy Speaker Narhari Zirwal, showing how conspiracies were hatched by the police and members of the MVA (Shiv Sena, NCP and Congress) to frame BJP leaders, including himself, in false cases at Chavan’s office.

Chavan, who has his office in Pune, said one of his clients from Jalgaon had installed a wall clock at his office. Chavan said, “He may be involved in video recordings. He had earlier offered to give an air-conditioner to me, which I had refused to accept. Thereafter, he tried to give me a smart TV, which again I did not accept. He then installed a wall clock in my cabin around two months ago and could have done the video recordings through a camera hidden inside. If he is part of the conspiracy, it will eventually come to light,” Chavan said.

But the videos submitted by the BJP are manipulated, he added. However, Fadnavis has refuted the tamper claims by Chavan and said ‘have done technical audit’.

After Fadnavis’ sensational claim, NCP Chief Sharad Pawar had said the state government will probe the allegations, adding that the recordings would not have been possible without the engagement of a powerful Central agency.

State home minister Dilip Wasle-Patil has said he will reply to Fadnavis’ allegations on Monday.