EC begins inquiry into sting against AAP leaders

New Delhi: The Election Commission has started investigation into the sting operation allegedly showing Aam Aadmi party leaders like Shazia Ilmi raising funds through "illegal" means after procuring the CD from the media portal.

AAP convener Arvind Kejriwal along with Yogendra Yadav and other party leaders met Chief Election Commissioner VS Sampath and the Election Commissioners on Friday, asking them to stop the circulation of the CD saying it was a violation of the Model Code of Conduct. "We have received the CD from the media portal `Media Sarkar` and started analysing it and action will be taken accordingly," said Delhi Chief Electoral officer Vijay Dev. The media portal today handed over a copy of the CD of the sting operation sought by the Delhi CEO. Meanwhile, in their meeting with the EC, AAP asked the poll body to go through the contents of the unedited CD submitted by the media portal, saying it was a deliberate effort to malign the party and its leaders. Terming the telecast of the CD a violation of the Model Code of Conduct, AAP requested the EC to undertake immediate investigation into the contents of the CD and stop its circulation. The sting operation alleged that several AAP leaders, who were contacted for their help in helping recover money from some individuals and getting through some controversial land deals, readily agreed to extend their support in return for donations in cash to the party. The charges have been dismissed as baseless by AAP.