Questions tapes raise

Sir, - Amid the dust and heat being raised by the Tehelka tapes - this had all the trappings of a first class spy movie - a few pertinent questions need to be asked are: (1) How far are video tapes - admittedly a sham operation in the present case - admissible as legal evidence in the absence of other incriminating factors? (2) Are our party leaders so stupid as to allow themselves to be caught in the act of receiving wads of currency notes? (3) Is testing the corrupt tendencies of a gullible person with tempting offers tantamount to establishing the guilt of the person?

For that matter, can a person be hanged solely for his murderous traits unless he is proved guilty, by a court of law, of having actually committed a murder? If intention is a crucial factor in proving the gravity of a crime, should not the benefit of the doubt be given to Mr. Bangaru Laxman when he asserts that he was collecting the money (as shown on the tape) only for the party?

A.P.C. Nair,

Bangalore

Sir, - The Tehelka tapes prima-facie appear to be a concocted drama got up by interested parties at a cheap expense of not-more than Rs. 10 lakhs. The NDA's allies, particularly the Samata Party, fell an easy prey and deservingly its leader is out of power now. The NDA has the misfortune of having too many political parties immature in administration and governance. Men accustomed to easy life at public expense form the bulk of the party constituents and it is really difficult to control these persons. How long can the country suffer this distress?

Truth will come out if an investigation is ordered into the origin of the tapes. A case should be registered and the CBI should be entrusted with the investigation. Serious manipulations in recording and camera tricks are possible and only an expert investigation will disclose the real facts. The nation is entitled to know the whole truth.

P.J. Bagilthaya,

Bangalore

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