Graft on camera: HC interim relief for Rabi Sharma

Cuttack: Orissa High Court on Tuesday granted interim protection to Rabi Sharma, the chief of web channel India 24x7 in connection with the sting operation which showed four BJD MLAs seeking bribe from a person posing as an industrialist.

The court ruled Sharma can’t be arrested till further order. The police have been asked to submit case diary in the matter.

Meanwhile Biju Janata Dal (BJD) legislators Seemarani Nayak (Hindol), Susant Behera (Chhendipada), Bijay Nayak (Karanjia) and Anam Nayak (Bhawanipatna) deposed before the Crime Branch officials few days back to record their statements after their names surfaced in the case.

Last month, a private TV channel had run the sting operation – ‘Operation Blackspot’ which showed the four BJD MLAs seeking bribe from a person. Soon after, the BJP filed an FIR against the four who went on to register a case against the sting operator for allegedly blackmailing them. Under growing criticism, chief minister Naveen Patnaik had ordered an investigation by the Vigilance.