Gehlot's ex-aide blames him for phone tapping during 2020 crisis
What's the story
Lokesh Sharma, the former Officer on Special Duty (OSD) to ex-Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot, has accused his former boss of orchestrating a phone-tapping operation during the state's political crisis in 2020.
Sharma claimed that he was directed by Gehlot to distribute call recordings to media outlets.
The allegations were made during Sharma's questioning on Wednesday in relation to a phone-tapping case filed by Union Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat last year.
Statement details
Sharma's detailed statement
In a seven-page statement, Sharma detailed the events of July 2020, stating that he received a pen drive from Gehlot containing call recordings.
He was allegedly instructed to circulate these recordings among media outlets.
"I went home, transferred the files from the pen drive to my laptop and from laptop to my phone, then circulated them to media houses as directed," he said.
Past vs present
Sharma's previous statements
Sharma's recent allegations mark a significant departure from his previous claims.
He had earlier stated that he obtained the clips from social media before distributing them to the media.
"Earlier I used to give statements I was instructed to give... I was last questioned in October 2023 when there was a Congress government (in Rajasthan) and Gehlot was CM, and I was his OSD," Sharma said.
Denial and demand
Sharma denies involvement in phone tapping
Sharma has categorically denied any involvement in the phone tapping, stating that his role was limited to sharing the contents of the pen drive with media outlets.
He also claimed that several Congress leaders' phones were intercepted and each call's transcription was shared with Gehlot.
Amid these allegations, Sharma expressed concerns over his safety and demanded security for himself and his family.
Political storm
Gehlot yet to make a statement
Sharma has previously appeared before the Crime Branch for questioning six times, with his last appearance on October 10, 2023.
He alleged that key officials including the then chief secretary, DGP, home secretary and principal secretary to the chief minister were all aware of the phone tapping developments.
These accusations against Gehlot could potentially ignite a political storm in Rajasthan. However, Gehlot has yet to comment on these allegations.