SC directs CBI probe against Radia and others

Observing that tapped telephonic conversations between Niira Radia, politicians and others prima facie revealed "deep-rooted malice", the Supreme Court today ordered CBI probe into six issues relating to corrupt practices being adopted for private gains.
"Prima facie, there is a deep rooted malice by private enterprises in connivance with the government officials and Niira Radia's conversations suggest that influential persons indulged in corrupt practices for private gains for extraneous purpose," a bench headed by Justice G S Singhvi said.
On the basis of analysis of the telephonic conversations of Radia which was done by apex court-appointed committee, the bench directed the CBI to complete its probe within two months and asked it to file the report in the Supreme Court.

However, the bench while reading out the order did not elaborate on the issues to be looked into by the agency.
It noted the submission of the CBI which had found element of criminality involved in them.
The bench referred one issue, which reportedly pertains to judiciary, to the Chief Justice of India to pass an appropriate order. It also referred another issue to Chief Vigilance Officer of Mines Department.
The court directed the committee to scrutinise entire transcript of the tapped conversations and posted the matter for further directions on December 16.
It also allowed the expansion of special team analysing the transcripts by including 10 more income tax sub-inspectors.