Over 150 Indians, including journalists, Opposition figures, constitutional figures and activists, figure on the list of potential targets of snooping using the spyware
Dev Raj, Patna: Bihar chief minister Nitish Kumar on Monday supported the Opposition’s demand for a probe into the Pegasus snooping scandal.
“It (probe) should definitely be done. We have been hearing about this for so many days. We must discuss this. These days anybody can indulge in such activities. Its every aspect should be seen and steps should be taken,” Nitish told reporters on the sidelines of his Janata Darbar.
Referring to reports on the alleged use of Israeli spyware Pegasus to snoop on people, Nitish said: “Whatever has happened should be investigated thoroughly to find out whether some people were listening to phones or controlling them. The truth should be brought out before the people. Such a thing should not be done to disturb others.”
Over 150 Indians, including journalists, Opposition leaders, constitutional figures and activists, figure on the list of potential targets of snooping using the spyware.
On a probe by a joint parliamentary committee, Nitish said Parliament would have to take a decision on it.
Nitish’s JDU is an ally of the NDA government in Bihar and at the Centre.
Nitish’s support for an in-depth probe into the Pegasus scandal comes at a time when there is a deadlock in Parliament with the Opposition demanding an investigation. The two Houses have been able to transact very little business during the ongoing monsoon session.Rahul Gandhi has also invited other Opposition leaders to chalk out a joint strategy on the scandal.
The matter has reached the Supreme Court, which is slated to hear a bunch of petitions on Thursday.
The Opposition parties have alleged that the BJP-led government at the Centre had used the spyware to target individuals who did not toe its line.
However, the Centre has denied its involvement.
