NEW DELHI: The second generation (2G) spectrum allocation scam will die its own death like the mid-1980s Bofors gun deal scandal, jailed former communications minister Andimuthu Raja's ex-personal secretary R.K. Chandolia told a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) special court here Saturday.
Chandolia's counsel said in the beginning of the Bofors deal scandal, there was a huge "hue and cry" but the case died its own death.
"Similar is the situation in the 2G case. It will also die its own death," Chandolia's counsel told CBI Special Judge O.P. Saini.
He claimed that the probe agency gave him the choice of becoming a witness or an accused in the case.
Defending himself, Chandolia said he was not the decision making authority for spectrum allocation.
"I was assisting my minister. Can an assistant ask his lord what decision have you made. I am not concerned whether their decision is right or wrong. I am no one, just a pawn in the chess game. I challenge the CBI. Let them show one sign on a single document. There are a number of people who have signed on papers but the CBI has not called them in," said Chandolia.
"I am like a child, who is asked to deliver the bag to someone. I have only done that, then what is wrong in it. Why should I be prosecuted?" defence counsel asked.
"I was used by the minister (Raja)...I used to carry out his instruction," said Chandolia, concluding the arguments on the charges levelled against him.
"The CBI should prove where have I forged any documents to favour Swan (Telecom) or Unitech (Wireless," said Chandolia.
"In the Delhi circle, Swan was given preference as due to the Idea and Spice merger, they were not eligible," he said.
Chandolia said his arrest Feb 2 was illegal as nowhere did the witnesses' statements recorded by the CBI in January and February showed his involvement.
"His name only figured in the statements in the month of March," said defence counsel, adding that how was it possible that the same witness gave two different statements.
"The CBI manipulated the charge sheet with a predetermined mind to prosecute me," Chandolia said.
He said the CBI showed a loss of Rs.30.000 crore to the exchequer in spectrum allocation but there was no word on the loss caused by him.
"I do not know the amount of loss I caused to the government of India, for which I am prosecuted," said Chandolia, adding that since he had been charged with cheating he must be told about the loss allegedly caused by his actions.
Chandolia is currently lodged in the Tihar Jail along with 13 others involved in the case.
Swam Telecom promoter Shahid Usman Balwa would begin his arguments on charges Monday.
No comments:
Post a Comment