What is The Narada Sting Operation?
The Narada Sting Operation: A Controversial Chapter in Indian Political History
The Narada sting operation stands as one of the most controversial political exposés in modern Indian history. It not only revealed the underbelly of political corruption but also intensified the already heated political atmosphere in West Bengal. Conducted by journalist Mathew Samuel and released in 2016, this operation changed the narrative of the 2016 West Bengal Assembly elections and continues to influence political discourse and legal proceedings even today.
Origins of the Sting
The sting operation was carried out in 2014 by Mathew Samuel, the then CEO of Narada News. Posing as a businessman from a fictitious company named Impex Consultancy Solutions, Samuel approached several leaders of the ruling Trinamool Congress (TMC) party with proposals for investments and business operations in West Bengal. The aim was to uncover whether public officials would solicit bribes in exchange for offering support, clearances, or protection.
Samuel used hidden cameras to record these interactions over several months. The videos appeared to show several senior TMC politicians accepting cash bundles, allegedly as bribes, and assuring unofficial assistance in return. These meetings were conducted under the guise of lobbying for business favors, and the politicians seemed unaware that they were being recorded.
Public Release and Timing
Although the recordings were made in 2014, they were released in March 2016, just before the West Bengal Assembly elections. This timing added to the political drama, as the Trinamool Congress was gearing up for a crucial electoral contest. The videos were made public by Narada News, a portal started by Samuel himself. The sting sent shockwaves across the nation and especially within West Bengal’s political circles.
The footage reportedly showed TMC heavyweights such as MPs, MLAs, and even ministers accepting money from the undercover journalist. Among the prominent names implicated were Mukul Roy (then a top TMC leader, now with BJP), Madan Mitra, Subrata Mukherjee, and Sovan Chatterjee. All of them were seen either taking cash or promising help in return for financial favors.
Immediate Political Reactions
The opposition, particularly the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), the Indian National Congress, and the Left Front, pounced on the issue. They accused the TMC of institutionalized corruption and demanded immediate resignations of the accused leaders. The TMC, however, dismissed the sting as a political conspiracy and questioned its authenticity.
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee claimed the videos were doctored and that the timing of the release was meant to malign the party’s image just before elections. She also criticized the journalist, alleging a nexus between media and opposition forces. Despite the controversy, the TMC managed to secure a landslide victory in the 2016 elections, indicating that the sting had limited impact on voter sentiment at the time.
Legal Proceedings and CBI Investigation
Following the public release of the videos, legal cases were filed, and petitions were submitted to the Calcutta High Court. In 2017, the court directed the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) to take over the probe. This decision was challenged by the West Bengal government but was ultimately upheld by the Supreme Court.
The CBI began its investigation by authenticating the video footage and interrogating the individuals involved. The Enforcement Directorate (ED) also got involved, investigating the money laundering angle under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA).
In 2021, the investigation reached a dramatic turn when the CBI arrested four prominent TMC leaders, including two ministers—Firhad Hakim and Subrata Mukherjee—on charges related to the sting operation. This led to a major political standoff. Mamata Banerjee personally went to the CBI office in Kolkata and protested against the arrests, accusing the central government of misusing investigative agencies for political purposes.
Political Ramifications
The Narada sting case added fuel to the narrative of corruption within the TMC, a narrative that opposition parties continued to exploit in successive elections. Even though the party won the 2016 and 2021 assembly elections comfortably, the accusations remained a blot on its public image.
Interestingly, some of the leaders seen in the sting, like Mukul Roy, later switched sides and joined the BJP, which raised questions about political opportunism and selective outrage over corruption.
The case also highlighted a broader trend in Indian politics: the use of investigative journalism and sting operations as tools for political warfare. While such stings can uncover genuine corruption, they are often dismissed by the accused as politically motivated, leading to a public debate over authenticity, intent, and timing.
Questions Around Ethics and Journalism
The Narada sting also raised ethical questions about the methods used in undercover journalism. While some hailed Mathew Samuel as a whistleblower and truth-seeker, others questioned the journalistic integrity of staging scenarios to provoke reactions. Was it journalism or entrapment? Did the politicians actually intend to carry out illegal acts, or were they merely caught in a moment of weakness during a hypothetical situation?
Despite these debates, the sting undeniably exposed how casually some public representatives discussed and accepted money in exchange for favors—something that has deeply eroded public trust in political systems.
Current Status and Future Outlook
As of 2025, the case remains under investigation, with legal proceedings still ongoing in various courts. While some of the accused have passed away—Subrata Mukherjee, for instance—others continue to be active in politics. The case has been a slow burn in the Indian legal system, typical of high-profile corruption cases, where investigations stretch over years and judicial conclusions remain elusive.
The Narada sting operation, whether viewed as a genuine exposé or a politically timed maneuver, will continue to be a significant chapter in the history of Indian investigative journalism and political accountability. It reflects the intricate ties between media, politics, and public perception, and how a single act of undercover journalism can ripple through the corridors of power.
Conclusion
The Narada sting operation is not just a case about bribes and political figures; it is a broader commentary on the nature of political power, media influence, and public accountability in India. It showcased both the potential and pitfalls of investigative journalism, the fragility of public trust, and the complex dynamics between ruling parties and federal investigative agencies. While the legal verdict is still awaited, the public judgment on political ethics has long been delivered—and it continues to shape the discourse on corruption in Indian politics.
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