2G: Raja refuses to reply to CBI's new charge

New Delhi: Former telecom minister A Raja's lawyer Sushil Kumar has refused to file a reply to charges of criminal breach of public trust while asking the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) if the probe against him in the 2G spectrum allocation scam has been completed or not.

On Monday, the CBI had filed the additional charge under Indian Penal Code Section 409, which invokes a life imprisonment penalty, against all the 17 accused arrested in the 2G scam till now.

Kumar said in the court that he wants an undertaking from the CBI that investigations are over and no fresh charges will be brought in. The court has given time till October 7 to all the 17 accused to reply to the additional charge.

Kumar told Special CBI Judge OP Saini that he would not participate in the hearings till the CBI clarified its position on the status of probe.

"I am taking a very clear stand that till the time CBI files an affidavit or says it on oath here that investigation is complete or going on, I am not going to participate in the proceedings of this case," Kumar said.

He pointed out that the CBI on Thursday told the Supreme Court that it was still investigating the roles of various persons and companies, including Reliance Anil Dhriubhai Ambani Group (ADAG) Chairman and CEO Anil Ambani, and on the other hand, the agecny told the trial judge that charges should be framed as the investigation was over.

"I do not want any time. Give time to others. I am not filing any reply. I am not going to argue till CBI DIG SK Palsania and its Superintendent of Police Vivek Priyadarshi are called here to clarify the position," he said.

The judge reacted to Kumar's statement, saying "Please do not make any comment on the Supreme Court here."

Special Prosecutor UU Lalit tried to clarify CBI's stand and said he did not represent it in the Supreme Court.

"I am not there in the SC. I am appearing for CBI in this case only in this court. I will stand by the statement made by the prosecutor that so far as the present charge sheet is concerned, probe is complete," Lalit said.

Raja, DMK MP Kanimozhi and top executives of several telecom companies have been arrested by the CBI in connection with the scam.

(With additional information from PTI)