2G case: CBI seeks to try A Raja, others on fresh charges

CBI Monday filed a fresh plea in a Delhi court seeking framing of a charge for criminal breach of trust in the 2G spectrum allocation case against 14 accused including former Telecom Minister A Raja.

If convicted, the accused can face a maximum punishment of life term.

"It is submitted the facts, circumstances, allegations and evidence on record make out a charge under section 409 (criminal breach of trust by a public servant) of the IPC in addition to the offences mentioned in the charge sheet," the plea, filed before Special CBI Judge OP Saini, said.

The agency has sought framing of additional charges against Raja, his former personal secretary RK Chandolia and former Telecom Secretary Siddharth Behura.

"The accused Raja, Behura and Chandolia were public servants having a dominion over valuable 2G spectrum in their respective capacities as public servants," the plea said, adding they flouted law in award of licenses which made out a case of criminal breach of trust against them.

It also sought to try rest 14 accused, including DMK MP Kanimozhi, Swan Telecom promoter Shahid Balwa, under the same penal provision by making them a party to criminal conspiracy hatched by Raja and two other public servants. It would also make others liable to face the same jail term if held guilty.

The relatives of Chandolia and other accused were taken aback by the CBI move and were seen sobbing after their lawyers informed them about the consequences.

The penal provisions under which the accused have been charged so far provided for seven years jail term as the maximum sentence if found guilty.