Rajasthan: Former OSD of Ashok Gehlot Becomes Approver in Phone Tapping Scandal
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Jaipur, Dec 16 (NationPress) Lokesh Sharma, the former Officer on Special Duty (OSD) to ex-Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot, has become an approver in the phone tapping case as of Monday.
In a conversation with IANS, Sharma affirmed that the Patiala House Court had accepted his application earlier today. He suggested that this development could significantly impact Rajasthan's bureaucracy and political dynamics.
Sharma was apprehended by the Crime Branch of Delhi Police on November 25 at the Prashant Vihar police station in Delhi. However, he quickly obtained anticipatory bail right after his arrest. Speculation had been swirling since that he might become an approver in this high-stakes case.
The phone tapping controversy gained momentum in Rajasthan during the political upheaval of 2020 when a faction led by Sachin Pilot moved to Manesar as part of their political strategy.
The case escalated after Union Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat lodged an FIR with the Delhi Crime Branch, implicating Lokesh Sharma. Following this, Sharma sought protection from arrest in the Delhi High Court but later retracted his petition.
The controversy originated from leaked audio recordings that circulated widely during the political crisis. These recordings allegedly showcased attempts at horsetrading.
At the time, Lokesh Sharma, serving as Gehlot's OSD, released the audio clips, accusing Shekhawat of engaging in the alleged horse-trading of legislators.
In response, Shekhawat filed a complaint alleging unlawful phone tapping, naming Sharma in the case.
A court official indicated that the decision to allow Sharma's application to become an approver is anticipated to unveil new information.
