Bengaluru: Citizen Rights Foundation (CRF) Chairman K.A. Paul has submitted a representation to the Union Home Minister and the Union Home Secretary seeking an independent, time-bound examination of statements made by former Union Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) Under Secretary R.V.S. Mani during a recent ANI podcast.
According to the representation dated July 15, the foundation has requested that the Central Government consider constituting a Special Investigation Team (SIT) or entrusting an appropriate independent agency to examine the issues raised by Mani in the interview.
The representation states that Mani, who served as an Under Secretary in the MHA’s Internal Security Division, discussed matters relating to several past terrorism investigations and other national security issues during the podcast. The petition requests that the competent authorities verify the statements made in the interview in accordance with law.
CRF has submitted that, given the nature of the statements, an independent inquiry would be in the public interest to ascertain the facts. It has further stated that, if the statements are found to be unsupported after due examination, such a finding would also help clarify the record and strengthen public confidence in the investigative process.
In its representation, the foundation has requested the Ministry of Home Affairs to obtain the complete podcast recording and transcript, record Mani’s statement, preserve relevant records, and examine the issues raised in accordance with applicable legal procedures. It has also requested that any further action, if warranted, be taken strictly on the basis of evidence and in accordance with law.
The representation emphasises that it does not seek to prejudge the conduct or liability of any individual. Instead, it states that the request is limited to seeking an impartial and transparent inquiry so that the matters raised in the interview may be independently verified through due process.
