Asianet NewsableAsianet Newsable

Mamata Banerjee government forms inquiry panel to look into Pegasus scandal

The announcement came days after the name of her nephew and Trinamool MP Abhishek Banerjee appeared on a list of potential surveillance targets. 

West Bengal Mamata Banerjee sets up panel to probe Pegasus scandal gcw
Author
Kolkata, First Published Jul 26, 2021, 2:08 PM IST

West Bengal on Monday became the first state to set up a panel to investigate the Pegasus phone-hacking scandal within the state. The chief minister said her government has formed a two-member inquiry commission to look into allegations of snooping on politicians, officials and journalists using Israeli spyware Pegasus. The panel will be headed by retired judges Justice MB Lokur and Justice Jyotirmoy Bhattacharya. 

Addressing the media, chief minister Mamata Banerjee said, "Through Pegasus, everyone including the judiciary and civic society has been under surveillance. We expected that during Parliament, the Centre will investigate under SC supervision, but they didn't."  She further informed that the panel will monitor illegal hacking, monitoring, surveillance and recording mobile phones etc.

"(Committee is being set up) to probe the hacking and find out how it is being done... I hope this small step will wake up others. We want it to start as soon as possible. Many people from Bengal have been tapped," the TMC supremo added.

The announcement came days after the name of her nephew and Trinamool MP Abhishek Banerjee appeared on a list of potential surveillance targets.  

Follow Us:
Download App:
  • android
  • ios