2G: Key CBI witness Asservartham Achary complains of threat

A special CBI court trying 2G case today witnessed high drama when a key witness said he has received a threat from a person who was present in the court and was detained when he tried to run away.

Special CBI Judge OP Saini directed the Delhi Police Commissioner to take necessary action after Asservartham Achary, ex-aide of former Telecom Minister A Raja, expressed grave threat to his life and to those of his family members shortly after proceedings commenced.

"In the course of his examination, Achary expressed apprehension about his security. He prays that his security may be strengthened, as his family feels highly insecure. He submits that he is worried about security of his daughter.

"He has placed on court record a photocopy of the application submitted by him to the CBI. A copy of this order, along with the copy of the application, be sent to the Commissioner of Police immediately, for information and necessary action in this regard," the judge said.

The incident occurred as the proceedings were going on and counsel for Raja, who today opened his defence in the case for the first time, was cross examining Achary.

A visibly shaken Achary told the judge that he wants to submit something after Raja's counsel Sushil Kumar asked him why he had gone to the CBI office on September 5, 2011.

"I want to submit something as my life depends on it and life of my wife and four-year-old daughter depends on it. I am in danger.... The person who tried to kill me is just here in the courtroom. He was sitting along with RK Chandolia [an accused and Raja's former private secretary] in the case since morning," he said.