2G spectrum case: CBI tried to deflect wrong-doings of Tata, alleges Swan Telecom Promoter Shahid Balwa

Swan Telecom Promoter Shahid Balwa, an accused in the 2G telecom spectrum scam, on Thursday alleged in a special court that CBI had tried to "deflect the wrong-doings" of Tata in the case by prosecuting him along with former Telecom Minister and DMK leader A Raja.

He contended that the agency favoured Tata which had given Rs 20 crore as donation to Raja for building a hospital in the DMK leaser's constituency.

Balwa, who is accused along with 16 others in the case, claimed that he cannot be prosecuted for pushing back Tata in the race as the firm was never in the race to get the 2G spectrum licence.

"The investigating officer in the case had favoured Tata and by prosecuting Balwa, he had tried to deflect the wrong doings of Tata," advocate Vijay Aggarwal, appearing for Balwa, argued before Special Judge O P Saini.

Advancing final arguments in the case, the advocate said Raja had admitted in his cross-examination that he had taken Rs 20 crore donation from Tata for the hospital in his constituency.

"So, Balwa cannot be prosecuted for the alleged conspiracy with Raja for pushing back Tata in the race to get licences," the counsel said, adding that "it had come on record that Niira Radia was visiting Raja's residence with Ratan Tata".

Radia, who is a prosecution witness in the case, was managing, through her company, the corporate communication of Tata Group.

He further claimed that the Supreme Court has also ordered to find out whether Tata was eligible to get the 2G spectrum licence.

"It's wrong to prosecute Balwa for pushing back Tata in the race as Tata was never in the race," the counsel said.