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Tejpal denies 'even a bit of tampering' of tapes

Tehelka Chief Executive Officer Tarun Tejpal on Thursday told the Venkataswami Commission that the news portal's defence expose was "purely journalistic" in nature and was not aimed at any political party or individual.

Appearing for the first time before the commission, which is probing alleged corruption in defence deals, Tejpal denied even "a bit of tampering" in the video tapes that show some politicians and senior defence officials accepting bribes from undercover Tehelka reporters.

"The (Westend Operation) exercise was purely journalistic to expose corruption in highest places in the system. It was not against any political party or individual," Tejpal said.

Tejpal was originally scheduled to appear before the commission on Wednesday, but could not do so following CBI raids on his office.

Denying that the operation was a "trap adventure," the Tehelka chief said he does not have to consult any legal person before taking up any journalistic exercise.

Tejpal also dismissed the charges of Defence Minister George Fernandes that Tehelka helped ISI through the operation and said it was now a "standard practice" to blame foreign hand [for every trouble in the country].

PTI

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