Swamy seeks to assist CBI in 2G scam case

Janata Party chief Subramanian Swamy today told a special court that he should be associated in the 2G spectrum allocation case as he is willing to assist the CBI in a "formal way".

"I have to be associated in a formal way with the CBI's case. I will be happy to assist them. The court should give me a formal status and I do not think CBI would have any problem in this," Swamy told Special CBI Judge O P Saini.

The court, however, asked the CBI that whether Swamy's private complaint, which sought prosecution of former telecom minister and prime accused A Raja in the 2G case and his appointment as public prosecutor, could be tagged with the agency's FIR in the case.

The court deferred the matter for further hearing on May 4 after the CBI sought two weeks time to file its response in the matter.

"Submissions regarding applicability of section 210 CrPC heard and thereafter deferred on the prayer of public prosecutor. Put up on May 4 for further proceedings, as prayed by the prosecutor to which the complainant (Swamy) has no objection," the court said.

During the hearing, Swamy said that although the CBI is probing the matter and has filed the chargesheet, his private complaint has wider ambit in some aspects.

"The scope of my application (private complaint) overlaps with the CBI case, but in some cases its ambit is wider than that of the CBI's FIR," Swamy said.

Swamy added that he is willing to assist the CBI and Special Public Prosecutor U U Lalit, who has been appointed by the Supreme Court as a prosecutor in this case.

On this, the judge asked Swamy that whether he wants his private complaint to be tagged with the CBI's FIR.

The Janata Party chief replied that he do not have any problem in this but questioned about his status if his private complaint is tagged with the agency's FIR.

On being asked about it, CBI prosecutor A K Singh said that they need at least two weeks time to respond on this and also told the court that Swamy should make a formal plea regarding this.