Congress says ‘black trunk’ transported on PM’s chopper, demands probe

NEW DELHI: Congress on Sunday alleged that a “suspicious black trunk” was transported from PM Narendra Modi’s helicopter to a private vehicle on his arrival for an election rally in Chitradurga in Karnataka on April 9.The party said a video of the said episode had raised serious issues about the contents of the “black trunk” which required a thorough investigation. Playing a recording at the party headquarters, Congress spokesman Anand Sharma alleged the trunk was taken off from the chopper and put in a private vehicle which was not part of the PM’s SPG cavalcade. He said the vehicle immediately left after the trunk was loaded.At the press conference, Sharma said Congress was aware of the PM’s security protocol and would not speak irresponsibly. He said while heavy objects are barred on the PM’s chopper, the vehicle in question was white in colour while those in the SPG security convoy are black. He said Karnataka Congress had already lodged a complaint with the EC. Suggesting there was money stashed in the trunk, Sharma said, “What was in it? If there was no cash in it, let an inquiry be held.”Sharma also asked Modi to give an account of his five-year rule to the people as a tribute to B R Ambedkar on his birth anniversary.