Buta alleges he is being victimised, says PM briefed

New Delhi, Aug 2 (PTI) Former Indian Union Home Minister
Buta Singh Sunday alleged he was being victimised and framed
by the country's top investigative agency CBI, using his son
-- arrested in a bribery case -- as a tool but said he will
cooperate with the agency if "proper procedures" were
followed.

Firmly ruling out his resignation, Buta Singh, who is the
Chairman of the National Commission for Scheduled Castes
(NCSC), said he has "briefed" Prime Minister Manmohan Singh on
the issue.

"I have briefed Prime Minister Manmohan Singh regarding
the facts. He has responded positively and sought more
details," he said without revealing how the matter was
communicated to the Prime Minister.

"I am also seeking an appointment to meet him and explain
my position," Singh, who has been expelled from the Congress,
told reporters here.

Accusing the CBI of "framing" him, Singh said he will not
resign from his post.

"I will not resign. CBI is not working as an
investigating agency and targeting me at the behest of some
people. CBI is framing me. Arresting my son in a false case is
in fact aimed at targeting me politically. CBI used my son to
target me," he alleged, claiming, "I am being victimised".

Asked whether he is ready to face questioning by the CBI,
he said, "I am ready to answer to all charges. I will fully
cooperate if proper procedures are followed."

"I am competent to defend myself. Why should I trouble
others," he said when asked whether he would meet Congress
President Sonia Gandhi on the issue.

The CBI arrested Singh's son Sarobjit on Friday in Mumbai
on charges of demanding a bribe of Rs one crore from a Nashik-
based contractor to close a case pending before the Commission
against him. PTI ARU
dep
NNNN