2G case: Raja begins replying to over 1,700 questions

A special CBI court hearing the 2G spectrum case Monday started recording statement of former telecom minister A. Raja. He was handed over 1,700 questions running into 824 pages March 27 by the court.

The questions are part of the recording of the statement of Raja.

Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) special court Judge O.P. Saini started recording Raja's statement Monday morning.

The court had Nov 27, 2013, concluded the recording of statements of 153 people running into 4,400 pages.

The special court was set up last year on the direction of the Supreme Court.

According to the government auditor, Raja was biased while distributing 2G mobile airwaves and operating licenses to telecom firms, causing a loss of up to Rs.1.76 lakh crore in revenue to the treasury.

All the accused, including Raja, are out on bail.

In a separate case related to 2G, the court has adjourned the recording of statement of Essar Group and Loop Telecom promoters till May 19.

A third set of charges filed by the CBI in the 2G case alleged that promoters of the Essar Group were the real investors and beneficiaries of the spectrum and licenses issued to the Loop Telecom, which was used as a front company by the Essar to acquire 2G licenses and spectrum in 2008.

This has been denied by the accused.

The court supplied questionnaire containing 645 questions to Essar Group and Loop Telecom promoters, who are among the accused, on April 9.