Three Congress leaders were called by the city DSP for interrogation on Saturday in connection with the cash-for-vote fiasco which dragged several other Congress leaders into controversy.
Around Rs22 lakh were recovered from a city hotel on April 7 which was allegedly meant to influence the mayoral election. The mayoral election however was rescinded by Governor Syed Ahmed following recommendation by the State Election Commission on the grounds of “misuse of money”.
The three Congressmen- Surendra Singh, Jyoti Singh and Sunil Singh—were sent notices aimed at obtaining information perceived to be useful for taking the interrogation forward.
While Surendra Singh is town president of district Congress, Jyoti Singh is associated with All India Youth Congress and Sunil Singh is deputy town president of district Congress.
City DSP Panchanan Singh, who happens to be the investigating officer (IO) said, “Those who were sent notices appeared for interrogation and cooperated throughout the process.”
The interrogation lasted for more than two hours.The statements will be examined and based on the veracity of the statements recorded more people will be called for interrogation, added Singh.
According to sources, the interrogation focussed primarily on the meeting that was scheduled to be held in the hotel and people who were supposed to attend it.
Interestingly, those testifying before the IO are learnt to have said the meeting was called to review booth level performances of the committees operating at the level.
However, the case took an abrupt turn when the witnesses said “the meeting was scheduled to be held at the roof top” and that the party has no connection with the cash that was recovered.
The three Congressmen also disclosed that the meeting was cancelled, said a source.