Batcha's death won't affect 2G probe: CBI

The CBI said on Wednesday that the reported suicide of Sadiq Batcha, a close aide of the former Telecom Minister, A. Raja, was an “unexpected development.” But the agency said the incident would not affect the ongoing 2G spectrum scam probe.

Mr. Batcha was the Managing Director of Green House, a real estate company, which came under the CBI scanner for allegedly serving as a front for Mr. Raja, who was arrested in February for his alleged involvement in the 2G scam.

‘There was no pressure on Batcha'

The CBI had searched the residence and offices of Mr. Batcha on December 15, 2010. “There was no pressure on Batcha. He was cooperating with the Bureau and was last questioned in February 2011 in Delhi,” a CBI spokesperson said.

“His demise is unexpected but it will not affect the ongoing investigations as all evidence has already been recorded,” the spokesperson said.

Mr. Batcha, a suspect but not a key player in the scam, was questioned four times — on January 29, 2011 and on February 22, 23 and 24.

Conflicting reports

There were conflicting reports that Mr. Batcha was booked on an afternoon flight from Chennai to Delhi to meet CBI investigators but the CBI spokesperson said he had not been called by the agency for questioning.

According to CBI sources, Green House was set up about three years ago with a capital of Rs. 1 crore but it rose to become a Rs. 600-crore company, raising suspicion that illegal gratification allegedly received from the 2G scam might have found its way into it.