Rafale deal: Probe PM Modi says, Rahul Gandhi, after ‘secret’ files stolen

A day after Centre told Supreme Court that ‘secret’ documents of controversial Rafale deal were stolen from Defence Ministry by public servants, Congress president Rahul Gandhi attacked Prime Minister Narendra Modi and demanded a probe against him. On Wednesday, Rahul Gandhi also claimed that they have ‘enough evidence’ to prosecute Narendra Modi.

In a press conference, Rahul Gandhi reiterated his demand for the Prime Minister to be a probe, after Centre claimed files disappeared. “On one hand you are saying the documents are missing, so this means the documents are genuine and it's clearly written in them that PMO was carrying out parallel negotiations,” said Rahul Gandhi.

Attacking PM Modi, Gandhi alleged that the "trail of corruption" in the Rafale deal begins and ends with’ him. “Yes, of course, take action on those involved in this missing documents case but also initiate an inquiry on PMO making parallel negotiations.” Rahul Gandhi said.

“Rafale files disappeared, it was said that an investigation should be conducted against you (media) because Rafale files disappeared; but the person who was involved in Rs 30,000 crore scam, no investigation against him?” he added.

The government on Wednesday in Supreme Court alleged that the ‘secret’ papers and files linked to the controversial Rafale deal have been stolen possibly by some public servants. The Centre told the apex court that petitioners are violating the Official Secrets Act by relying on classified documents.

Attorney General KK Venugopal said papers regarding the pricing of the Rafales were stolen from ministry files and given to The Hindu newspaper for publishing. AG also said that a review petition filed by senior advocate Prashant Bhushan carries extracts from the ‘secret’ stolen files and these should be rejected.

Also read: Rafale Deal: ‘Secret files were stolen from Defence Ministry,’ Centre tells SC