KOLKATA, March 17 - Observing that conduct of public figures must be beyond reproach, the Calcutta High Court today ordered the CBI to conduct a preliminary probe into the Narada sting operation in which some TMC leaders were seen allegedly taking money.
The court also directed the CBI to register an FIR, if required, after completion of the preliminary enquiry and initiate formal investigations thereafter.
Reacting to the order, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee said the Trinamool Congress and her government will challenge it before the Supreme Court. �The TMC will fight the order both politically and legally.�
She termed the court order to stop the Kolkata Police investigation into the matter as �unfortunate�.
The Opposition parties in West Bengal seized upon the judgement and demanded immediate removal of �tainted� ministers from the state Cabinet.
A division bench comprising acting Chief Justice Nishita Mhatre and Justice T Chakraborti directed the CBI to take possession of all material and devices related to the sting operation within 24 hours and to conclude the preliminary enquiry within another 72 hours. � PTI
