New Delhi: The 2G spectrum scam case on Friday entered a crucial stage with a Delhi court commencing the trial amidst protest by former Telecom Minister and prime accused A Raja refusing to cross-examine witnesses saying trial cannot start when the probe is still underway.
“Ask the public prosecutor (PP) whether investigation is complete. He knows it all in and out. I cannot understand why you (judge) do not wait for the investigation to be over. Just note my status, I refuse (to cross examine the prosecution witnesses),” senior advocate Sushil Kumar, appearing for Raja, told Special CBI Judge OP Saini.
Raja’s counsel said the CBI has submitted in the Supreme Court that investigation in relation to Loop Telecom, which was also granted 2G licences, is still going on.
“Loop telecom is under examination. The Supreme Court is seized of the matter. These are grounds good enough. You can defer it (trial) simply. Why they (CBI) do not make a simple statement whether investigation is complete?,” he asked.
He, however, clarified that he is not interfering with the trial but would not cross examine the prosecution witnesses until the probe in the case is complete.
“I do not want to interfere with the trial. Let them (CBI) say that investigation in this FIR is complete as per all these 17 accused,” he said.
The court, however, said this cannot be a ground to consider Raja’s plea for not going ahead with the trial. “I may allow your (Raja) application on some other grounds but not on this ground,” the special judge said.
The court proceeded with the trial and recorded statement of Anand Subramaniam, Vice President of Reliance Capital Ltd. Besides Subramaniam, the recording of statement of Group President of Reliance Anil Dhirubhai Ambani Group (ADAG) AN Sethuraman remained inconclusive and would continue on November 14. (PTI)