CBI must tell actual loss in 2G scam: Balwa

Swan Telecom Promoter Shahid Usman Balwa today demanded in a Delhi court that the CBI "must answer" as to what is the actual loss suffered by the state exchequer due to the 2G spectrum scam.

Opposing framing of corruption and other penal charges against him, Balwa told Special CBI Judge O P Saini that the agency should have written a letter to the Prime Minister or the Finance Minister to know the actual loss to the exchequer due to the scam.

"The CBI must answer as to what is the actual loss to the state exchequer. It (loss) is the basis of the prosecution and it has to be supported with documentation," advocate Majeed Memon, appearing for Balwa, said.

Memon asserted that the CBI's case is based upon the loss to the state exchequer but the government had stated in Parliament that no loss was suffered and instead the tele-density in the country had increased in 2010 from what it was in 2004.

Memon also asked the CBI if any loss has been suffered by the state exchequer, who exactly was responsible for it and up to what extent.

He also said the probe agency must answer whether Swan Telecom was ineligible to get Unified Access Services (UAS) licence in January 2008.

Balwa's counsel also accused the CBI of adopting selective approach in arresting people in the case.

"It is surprising how out of various companies (which got licences for 22 circles) and persons, the CBI picked up A and B and left others. Why are they adopting the selective approach?," Memon asked, accusing CBI of conducting "a biased, selective and discriminatory approach" in the investigation.