Former Telecom Minister A. Raja and former Telecom Secretary Siddhartha Behura, arrested for their alleged roles in the 2G spectrum allocation scam, on Wednesday opposed a Delhi court’s schedule to begin the hearing of arguments on framing of charges against them from tomorrow.
The duo opposed the scheduled commencement of arguments by Special CBI Judge O. P. Saini from July 21, saying it should be slated to a later date after filing of the third chargesheet in the case.
They sought the postponement contending that completion of the probe is a pre-requisite for beginning of arguments on the charges.
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Contending that Raja and other accused allegedly involved in the 2G scam were questioned by the CBI on July 18 in Patiala House court complex, the former minister’s counsel argued this shows the probe is still on.
“Raja was illegally interrogated by CBI which shows investigation is on. Under what provision did the court allow CBI to quiz him if the probe had been completed?” asked senior counsel Ramesh Gupta appearing for Raja.
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Mr. Gupta said before commencing arguments on framing of charges prosecution must make a specific statement before the court that their investigation is complete.
Counsel for Behura submitted that hearing of arguments on charges should begin only after CBI files its third chargesheet.
The court had yesterday decided to commence arguments on framing of charges in the case from July 21 after the agency and the defence counsel had submitted that the supply of documents, annexed with the two chargesheets in the case, has been completed.