The Central Bureau of Investigation on Friday registered a preliminary inquiry into the alleged sting operation involving former Uttarakhand chief minister Harish Rawat. On March 26, rebel Congress leaders in the state had released a video purportedly showing the deposed chief minister trying to buy back their support during a floor test in the assembly scheduled for March 28. Calling the video fake, Rawat had said the defecting Congress leaders’ move to join the Bharatiya Janata party was an “unholy alliance”.

This alleged sting operation was one of the factors that led to the imposition of President’s Rule in Uttarakhand. Governor KK Paul had submitted a report to the Centre based on reports alleging that the Congress was involved in horse-trading to save its government in the state, Hindustan Times reported. President’s Rule will continue in Uttarakhand at least till May 3, when the next hearing in the matter is scheduled in the Supreme Court.