NDTV Probe: CBI denies witch-hunt, searching media offices

NEW DELHI: The Central Bureau of Investigation has denied charges of witch-hunt levelled by NDTV and has clarified that no premises linked to the news organisation was searched.

In a statement issued in New Delhi on Tuesday CBI said “searches have been carried out at the premises of the promoters and their offices based on search warrants issued by a competent court. CBI has not conducted any search on the registered office of NDTV, media studio, newsroom or premises connected with media operations.”

The statement added “CBI fully respects the freedom of press and is committed to the free functioning of news operations”.

The investigation were being conducted as per due process of law and under the jurisdiction of the court, the investigation agency said.

Responding to NDTV’s Monday statement, CBI said “it has been mentioned in the statement… NDTV and its promoters have never defaulted on any loan. The allegations under investigation are not regarding default in loan repayment but relate to wrongful gain of Rs 48 crore to the promoters — Dr Prannoy Roy, Radhika Roy, RRPR Holdings and corresponding wrongful loss to ICICI Bank arising from their collusion and criminal conspiracy.”

NDTV had questioned CBI’s jurisdiction by stating that ICICI was a private bank. In response to this, the CBI cited a Supreme Court ruling which allowed it to probe private companies in cases falling under Prevention of Corruption Act.