Karnataka orders CBI probe into alleged phone-tapping by Kumaraswamy

The phone-tapping scandal that has created a political storm in Karnataka has been handed over to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI). 

The alleged illegal phone tapping of political leaders and government officials during the JDS-Congress coalition government headed by H. D. Kumaraswamy has come under the scanner after the Yeddyurappa government came to power.

On Monday, the State government, issued the order entrusting the Central Bureau of Investigation with the inquiry and investigation into the alleged phone tapping of ruling and opposition party leaders, their relatives, and government officials. 

In the order (dated August 19, 2019), the state Home department has urged the CBI to probe into the case of illegal, unauthorised and unwanted interception of telephones, citing the complaint registered with the Cyber Crime police station in Bengaluru under section 72 of the Indian Technology Act, 2000 and section 26 of Indian Telegraph Act 1885. The government has expressed concern over the possibility of crucial and personal information being leaked stating it is an infringement of the right to privacy. The government has decided to handover the case to CBI after the IG & DGP, Karnataka recommended prove by an independent agency. 

In the terms of reference, the state government, under section (5) and (6) of Delhi Police Establishment Act, 1946, has sanctioned the CBI to probe into all illegal telephone interceptions of political leaders, their relatives and government officials from August 1, 2018, till the date of this order.

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