Khattar govt to probe Hooda aide’s audio clip ‘that fuelled Jat fire’ - Hindustan Times
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Khattar govt to probe Hooda aide’s audio clip ‘that fuelled Jat fire’

Hindustan Times | By, Chandigarh
Feb 22, 2016 10:06 PM IST

In the clip of a mobile phone conversation with a Sirsa man being addressed as ‘Kaptan sahib’, Virender is allegedly asking him to flare up the ongoing Jat agitation. Despite repeated attempts, Virender did not respond to HT’s attempt for a comment. However, he had told some television channels on Sunday that, though the voice was his, it was a tampered clip being taken out of context.

The BJP government in Haryana would get the audio conversation clip purportedly featuring Prof Virender, a former political adviser to the then chief minister Bhupinder Singh Hooda, examined, said Haryana education minister Ram Bilas Sharma after the state cabinet meeting on Monday. In the clip of a mobile phone conversation with a Sirsa man being addressed as ‘Kaptan sahib’, Virender is allegedly asking him to flare up the ongoing Jat agitation.

The 90-second clip between Virender and a Khap leader has gone viral on the Internet. Virender accepted that the voice in the clip is his but alleged the conversation has been “doctored”.

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Here’s the clip that’s being probed now:

Leader of opposition in Haryana assembly, Abhay Singh Chautala said the clip makes it clear how “attempt” is being made to “instigate” the protesters “sitting peacefully”. While senior INLD leader Chautala sought an inquiry and punishment to those found guilty of instigating the protesters, he also said, “One thing becomes clear that the government is illegally tapping everyone’s phones.”

When contacted, Virender told PTI, “I don’t know if my phone was being tapped. But someone has uploaded the clip with malafide intention.” He said he was talking to Khap leader Capt Man Singh over phone. “Nowhere have I talked about instigating Jats or anyone. Moreover, the conversation is an old one, much before the current unrest started,” he said. “I am, in fact, telling him that peace should not be disturbed. Where have I talked about instigating anyone? The clip has been doctored,” he claimed.

Health minister Anil Vij said when despite government’s attempts the stir intensified it was suspected some forces wanted it to flare up. “We suspected there was some director behind the scene who was trying to inflict damage on the state to reap political benefits. Our government will order an inquiry into the clip which has gone viral. Anyone who is found guilty of inflaming passions won’t be spared,” Vij told reporters.

Education minister Ram Bilas Sharma however added that he had heard the audio clip and the matter was “crystal clear”. “It would be investigated and action would be taken under the law.” (with PTI inputs)

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