2G trial: A Raja, Kanimozhi may spend life in jail

Agencies

New Delhi, 12 November 2011: The trial into the high profile 2G spectrum allocation case began at a special court on Friday after formal charges were framed against 17 accused, including former telecom minister A Raja and DMK MP M Kanimozhi.

 

All the accused have denied any wrongdoing. They face a maximum of life in jail if found guilty.

 

The formal trial began with the recording of first prosecution witness, Reliance Capital Ltd vice president Anand Subramaniam’s statement.

 

The court also dismissed a plea by Raja that he would not cross-examine prosecution witnesses unless the CBI probe is over in 2G spectrum case.

“As soon as the investigation in this case, which started on October 21, 2009, is complete and all the statements as mandated in section 244 of the CrPC as supplied to the applicant, the right to recall the witnesses for cross examination will be exercised,” Raja said in an application to the court.

 

Appearing for Raja, senior advocate Sushil Kumar told the court that the CBI has apprised the Supreme Court that their investigation in connection with Loop Telecom is going on.

 

Raja’s counsel said the court should ask the agency if the investigation as far as all the 17 accused (14 individuals and three corporates) is complete.

 

He said the investigation in the case is going on as only one FIR has been registered by the CBI. The court, however, dismissed Raja’s plea and began recording the statement of the first prosecution witness.

 

Following a probe, Judge O P Saini last month concluded that there was enough evidence to try Raja and 13 other individuals on charges including criminal breach of trust, bribery, forgery and cheating. All the 14 individuals accused are in judicial custody.

 

Raja, a member of the DMK, is suspected of rigging rules over the sale of 2G mobile licences in 2008 to favour some firms in return for kick-backs. Others alleged of wrongdoing include Kanimozhi, daughter of DMK chief M Karunanidhi, senior telecom executives and government officials.

 

With embezzlement of an estimated Rs 1.71 lakh crore of public money, the 2G scam is one of the biggest in India’s history. This has put intense pressure on the UPA government and PM Manmohan Singh. Many believe the trial could expose leading politicians and businessmen.