2G spectrum: Raja aide says he was only following instructions

New Delhi, July 29, 2011

R K Chandolia, the then private secretary of former Communications Minister A Raja, today argued before a CBI special court that he was a servant and was only following the orders of his master at that time in the matter of allocation of 2G spectrum.

The special court was hearing arguments on framing of charges on Chandolia, allegedly involved in the scam.

He submitted that he was a sophisticated helper and an extra assisting hand to carry out instructions of his master. "Can he question his master? How can an assisting staff be roped in by the CBI?" he asked.

The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has charged him with cheating, criminal conspiracy and following corrupt practices in the license allocation case.

He submitted that once corporate lobbyist Niira Radia called up Mr Raja's office and he had attended the phone in the absence of the Minister.

He also submitted that he is not a person associated with the DMK, Mr Raja's party, Kalaignar TV or any telecom company.

Chandolia opposed the framing of charges against him and also challenged the CBI to show a single document as evidence on which he had put his signature.

The court dismissed his plea seeking interim bail made on the grounds that CBI lacks proper sanction to prosecute him in this case.

Earlier, Mr Raja and former telecom secretary Siddharth Behura had concluded their arguments on framing of charges during which they had sought to drag in Prime Minister Manmohan Singh by saying he was aware of decisions taken by the Minister.

Defending himself against the charges of cheating and other penal offences he submitted that he was following only the government policy.

CBI Special Judge O P Saini today after hearing the argument adjourned the matter for further hearing till tomorrow.

NNN