JD(U) MP: Not part of LTC scam

While Rajya Sabha chairman Hamid Ansari gave his sanction to the Central Bureau of Investigation on Friday to initiate the procedure of prosecution against JD(U) MP Anil Sahani in the LTC scam, Mr Sahani denied his role and termed charges against him as “politically motivated”.

While talking to this newspaper on the issue, he said he was planning to take legal help and “will also file a defamation suit against those trying to mislead CBI in the matter to malign my image”.

Claiming he was the victim of the racket which operated in raising fake bills for parliamentarians for their LTC, he said he had raised his voice against it twice in the year 2013.

“I am not the culprit but the victim. I tried to draw the authorities’ attention that fake bills in my name were being raised against LTC. I am ready to cooperate with the investigative agency; if they want they can also check my bank details to see whether the money was deposited in my account or not.”

He added, “I am being targeted because I come from the poor strata of society.”

When asked whether he would resign on moral grounds he said, “Why will I resign when I have not done anything wrong It is a conspiracy against me and I can prove my innocence.”

There are reports that Mr Sahani is also seeking an appointment with chief minister Nitish Kumar to discuss the issue. However, he later clarified that he has not made any attempt to meet the chief minister.

Mr Sahani is facing charges for using forged air tickets and boarding passes to claim over '23 lakh as travel and dearness allowance reimbursement. The CBI has already filed a chargesheet against him and other persons in connection with the case.