Incriminating documents recovered in raids: CBI -2010-12-15

Incriminating documents recovered in raids: CBI

2010-12-15 19:50:00


New Delhi, Dec 15 (IANS) Incriminating documents on the 2G spectrum scam have been recovered in raids on 34 residences and offices in Delhi, Tamil Nadu and Noida including those of former communications minister A. Raja's relatives, lobbyist Niira Radia and former official Pradeep Baijal, the Central Bureau of Investigation said Wednesday.

'The raids started early morning today (Wednesday) in 34 places in Tamil Nadu, Delhi and Noida and have led to the recovery of incriminating documents. Searches are still going on,' CBI Deputy Inspector General Vinita Thakur told reporters here.


In all, 34 premises - seven in Delhi and 27 in Tamil Nadu - were raided, she said.


More than 12 companies including Green House Promoters, Shiva Kamam Pvt Ltd, Wellcom Communications, and Equaas Estates, among others, in Tamil Nadu and JG Exports in Delhi were raided.


As the government widened its inquiry into what is being described as India's worst corruption scandal, CBI officials also questioned Radia and Baijal, a former chairman of Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI).


CBI officials, acting on information provided by the Enforcement Directorate, also searched the house of Baijal in suburban Noida. Baijal became a director in Radia's lobbying firm after retirement.


'We are being assisted by the ED (enforcement directorate) officials in this search and our investigations have led to the linkages between those people who have been raided today (Wednesday) and those who are already accused in this case,' Thakur said.


Another key person raided in Chennai was Jegath Gaspar Raj, a Sri Lankan Tamil who has been close to the Tamil Tigers and Raja and who is managing trustee of the Tamil Maiyam, whose office was also raided. The NGO was founded in July 2002.


Also raided in Chennai were the house of Kamraj, associate editor of a leading Tamil magazine Nakeeran, a chartered accountant.


'The CBI had earlier registered a case in October 2009 against unknown officials of the Department of Telecom and unknown private persons/companies and others under Prevention of Corruption Act,' Thakur added.

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