Committed to free functioning of news operations: CBI on NDTV raids
06 June, New Delhi
A day after Opposition parties lashed out at the Central Bureau of Investigation for conducting searches at residence of NDTV’s founder Prannoy Roy, the investigative agency today clarified that searches have been carried out based on search warrants issued by competent court.
“Searches were carried out at the premises of the promoters and their offices based on search warrants issued by the competent court. CBI has not conducted any search of registered office of NDTV, media studio, news room or premises connected with media operations. It fully respects the freedom of press and is committed to the free functioning of news operations,” the investigative agency said in a statement.
The CBI has registered the case based on the complaint of a share holder of ICICI bank and NDTV after carrying out due diligence, it stated.
The CBI said, “Denigrating the allegations at this stage of investigation and wrongly accusing the agency of acting under pressure is uncalled for and an attempt to malign the image of the CBI. The investigation is being conducted as per the due process of law and under the jurisdiction of the Court of law. The result of investigation will be filed before the competent Court of law based on the evidence adduced during investigation.”
“It has been mentioned in the statement of of the news channel that NDTV and its promoters have never defaulted on any loan. The allegations under investigation are not regarding the default in loan repayment; but relate to the wrongful gain of Rs 48 crore to the promoters Prannoy Roy, Radhika Roy, M/s RRPR Holdings Pvt Ltd and a corresponding wrongful loss to the ICICI bank arising from their collusion and criminal conspiracy,” it added.
Asked about the jurisdiction of the agency by stating that ICICI is a private bank, the CBI said, “It is clarified that the Supreme Court in the case of Ramesh Gelli vs CBI of 2016, that the provisions of Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988 are applicable to the officials of private banks. Therefore, CBI has jurisdiction to take up investigation of the cases of private banks.”
In the statement, the agency also urged all concerned to exercise restraint and to cooperate with the investigation. “CBI is committed to carrying out the investigation expeditiously and in accordance with the due process of law. CBI reiterates its commitment to the motto — Industry, Impartiality and Integrity.”
Yesterday, the agency had registered a case against Roy, his wife Radhika and a private company for allegedly causing losses to a ICICI Bank and conducted searches at four places