CBI raids houses of A Raja, relatives and associates in Tamil Nadu

Putting to rest speculation on lack of action against former telecom minister A Raja, the CBI on Wednesday conducted concerted raids on the premises of his close aides and relatives besides Raja himself.

CBI officials said 14 premises in Delhi and Chennai, including the offices and residences of Raja and his associates, were raided. The operation started early in the morning and was on till late in the night.

“We have recovered several incriminating documents,” said CBI spokesperson Vineeta Thakur.

The CBI’s action comes close on the heels of the Supreme Court coming down heavily on the investigating agency for failing to question Raja in connection with the scam.

His aides and relatives, including former private secretary RK Chandolia and managing director of Greenhouse Exports, Chennai, Sadiqui Batcha, are believed to have been questioned about their role in the allocation of 2G licences. Chandolia, sources said, has been taken for questioning and is likely to be arrested soon. However, there was no official confirmation.

The others raided include Siddhartha Behuria, the then secretary, DoT; K Sridhar, the then member, telecom commission; and AK Srivastava the then deputy director general, access service wing, DoT. Raja’s brother and sister are also under the scanner.