Raja misled Manmohan in 2G spectrum allocation: CBI

The CBI on Wednesday told a special court hearing the 2G spectrum allocation case that former telecom minister A. Raja misled then prime minister Manmohan Singh on the allocation and has a "habit" of making false statements.

Special public prosecutor Anand Grover told Special Judge O.P. Saini that Raja had "deliberately" told incorrect facts to Manmohan Singh on policy issues.

He said Raja has a habit of making false statements. He even misled the then prime minister, and with a stroke of a pen changed the cut-off date for receiving applications from firms seeking 2G licences, the prosecutor submitted.

The cut-off date for receiving applications was changed from October 10, 2007 to October 1, 2007, and the decision was taken by Raja to favour some firms, said the Central Bureau of Investigation.

The court was hearing final arguments in the case which will continue on Thursday.

The case pertains to the 2G spectrum allocation in which Raja, DMK Rajya Sabha member Kanimozhi and others are facing trial.

According to the CBI, Raja was biased in allocating 2G mobile airwaves and operating licences to telecom firms, causing huge loss to the state exchequer.

The court framed charges on October 22, 2011, against 14 accused and three companies under various provisions of the Indian Penal Code and the Prevention of Corruption Act.

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