CD controversy: Anna Hazare backs Bhushan, says action if guilty

NEW DELHI: Amid a demand for removal of Shanti Bhushan, co-chairman of the Lokpal Bill joint drafting committee, over the CD controversy, activist Anna Hazare today said he should continue on the panel but action should be taken against him if found guity.

Hazare claimed he had been told that the CD, carrying audio clippings of a purported telephonic conversation between Bhushan, SP chief Mulayam Singh Yadav and Amar Singh about influencing a judge, were doctored.

"We had sent the CD to a high level laboratory for examination and it was found that the contents of the CD are absoutely bogus," he said, maintaining that Bhushan would take the matter to the court.

"If found guilty, he deserves to be punished but if not, he is innocent. 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 when asked whether he could give a guarantee about Bhushan's credentials.

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.