New Delhi: Social activist Anna Hazare on Sunday virtually dismissed allegations against Shanti Bhushan, the
co-chair of the Lokpal Bill joint drafting committee, in a CD
controversy and backed his presence on the panel.
Hazare claimed he had been told that the CD, carrying
audio clippings of a purported telephone conversation between
Bhushan, SP chief Mulayam Singh Yadav and Amar Singh about
influencing a judge, were doctored.
"I have been told that a top forensic laboratory has said
that the CD in question was doctored," he said.
Media reports said that the CD was authentic. However,
this could not be independently confirmed.
Hazare said he has been told that Bhushan was mulling
filing a defamation case in this connection.
Asked whether Bhushan should continue as member of the
joint drafting committee in the wake of these allegations,
Hazare replied he should.
"Such allegations will be levelled against us. We have to
be clear in our conviction," he said.
Asked whether he could give a guarantee about Bhushan`s
credentials, Hazare said, "How can I give a guarantee about any
person. I got to know him only because of this committee."
"I can give guarantee only about myself," he said.
PTI
