Jharkhand Health Minister Banna Gupta, who was under fire after a purported video of his “obscene” conversation with a woman went viral, on Wednesday asserted that it was a conspiracy to tarnish his image and he is ready to face any investigation.
Gupta, who has lodged a police complaint in this connection, also accused Jamshedpur East MLA Saryu Roy of being behind the incident.
“I am ready for any probe. I have asked the police to take my mobile phone and that of the woman for any verification,” the health minister, who is also a Congress leader, told a press conference.
BJP MP from Jharkhand Godda Nishikant Dubey on April 23 night shared a video clip on social media purportedly showing Gupta engaged in an "obscene" phone conversation with a woman.
Roy in a series of tweets demanded action against the health minister and asked the police to seize his mobile phone.
PTI, however, did not independently verify the authenticity of the video.
During the press conference, Gupta showed the tweets of Roy and alleged that he was behind this. The minister, however, did not name him.
“He has had problems with all my development projects for the state since the beginning, whether it is related to cleaning of Swarnarekha river, Jamshedpur bus stand, or flyovers. After failing to stop me, he has adopted an unethical way to tarnish my image. But I am not going to be scared,” Gupta said.
Reacting to the accusations, Roy asserted that the allegations should be given in writing.
“Whatever allegations he (Gupta) is making, he should give them in writing. I will reply to all of them. A probe is underway on the video, let it be completed,” Roy said.