2G scam: CBI sends seized computers for forensic analysis

The CBI is trying to decipher the information stored in over a dozen computers seized from the premises of corporate lobbyist Nira Radia and former Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) chairman Pradip Baijal among others raided by the agency in connection with the probe into the second-generation mobile telephony spectrum.

The probe agency has sent these computer systems and laptops for a detailed analysis at the Forensic Sciences Laboratory to retrieve the information stored in their hard disc drives, official sources said today.

Sources said the forensic analysis besides focusing on information available on the hard drive will use special tools to retrieve any possible deleted information which might have linkages to the scam.

Official sources said the computers were also seized from the premises of alleged hawala operators Mahesh and Alok Jain besides from the 17 companies raided by it yesterday. These have been sent for forensic analysis to retrieve any possible deleted information.

They said the agency was looking for specific information about possible money laundering or anything to indicate any payback.

Sources said the agency is also analysing thousands of pages of documents seized and has specifically roped in officers knowing Tamil language.

Any information regarding violation of country's foreign exchange laws and possible money laundering will be given to enforcement directorate, sources said.

The CBI had raided premises of Green House Promoters Pvt Ltd, Equaas Estates Pvt Ltd, Kadir Kamam Estates, Shivakaman Estates, Kowai Shelters Promoters, AGM Investments and finances, Wellcone Telecom, Sally Road Systems Pvt Ltd and Genex Exim Ventures Pvt Ltd.

Besides, premises of J G group, Ayyapa Pvt Ltd and Sally Thermoplastics were raided.

Yesterday's raids were a follow-up of searches carried out on December 8 at the residence of Raja and his four close associates including his personal secretary RK Chandolia in connection with the scam.

The CBI had on October 21 last year registered a case against unknown officials of department of telecommunication and unknown private persons or companies and others under different Sections of IPC and Prevention of Corruption Act.

Raja, 47, was forced to resign as minister on November 14 in the wake of the CAG report that said rates at which 2G spectrum was allotted resulted in a possible loss to the exchequer to the tune of Rs1.76 lakh crore.