2G scam: CBI seeks dismissal of bail plea of 5 accused

The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) today appealed in Delhi’s Patiala House Court for dismissal of the bail applications of five officials accused in the 2G spectrum scam, as they “may abscond to avoid trial”.

Unitech’s Sanjay Chandra, DB Realty’s Vinod Goenka and Reliance Telecom’s top officials Gautam Doshi, Surendra Pipara and Hari Nair had applied for bail. The Special CBI Court has reserved its verdict till April 20.

CBI told the court that the accused held high positions and, now that the names of witnesses — some directly working under them— had been disclosed, there was a possibility that they might try to influence the witnesses.

“Considering the material on record, complicity of present accused persons in the crime is clearly made out,” CBI’s prosecutor told Special CBI Judge O P Saini. The allegation against Reliance’s Doshi is that he, in connivance with others, played an active role in structuring and funding of Swan Telecom, Tiger Traders Pvt Ltd and other holding companies. CBI has alleged in its chargesheet that it was Doshi’s idea to use Swan Telecom as a front company for Reliance ADA Group while applying for unified access service licences.

CBI also said Unitech Group companies were in the business of realty and the objects of companies were not changed to telecom or registered as required before applying. “The companies were ineligible to get the licences,” CBI said. The investigating agency made similar allegations against DB Realty’s Vinod Goenka, saying he “conspired” with former Telecom Minister A Raja and DoT officials to “secure” UAS licences.

Among those present for the hearing were Raja, his secretary R K Chandolia, DB Realty’s Shahid Balwa and Unitech’s Sanjay Chandra.

The court will scrutinise the documents on April 18 before giving its final order on bail on April 20. Judge Saini, who had been directed by the apex court to a hold day-to-day trial in the case, had earlier allowed senior public prosecutor U U Lalit to file written replies to the bail applications of the corporate executives who had not been arrested during the CBI investigation.