Essar tapped phones |
Phone-tapping was back in the news with allegations of Essar Communications, owned by the Ruias, illegally monitoring phones of prominent politicians, corporate bigwigs - including Reliance group chairman Mukesh Ambani - and bankers between 2001 and 2006.The allegations are contained in a petition submitted by Delhi-based lawyer Suren Uppal to the PMO, seeking a probe. Uppal claimed the chats revealed Reliance`s efforts to influence BSNL`s tariff plans and lobbying for late Pramod Mahajan`s continuance in a particular portfolio. Essar denied the allegations.Uppal`s petition is based on information, including transcripts, provided by former Essar employee Basit Khan (misspelt by Uppal as Albasit) who claimed to have access to the recordings. Khan, by Uppal`s own admission, is now missing after having initially contacted him. It is understood that the recordings are in Khan`s possession. Khan met Uppal in February and dropped out of contact from April 24, according to the lawyer.Essar denied the allegations.
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