Huge sigh of relief rocks the courtroom

The area surrounding the courtroom where Special Judge OP Saini was going to deliver his verdict in the 2G scam case was packed with family members, friends and supporters of the 17 accused.

Even as former Telecom Minister A Raja's supporters attempted to squeeze past the heavily guarded entryway, a loud roar from the interior momentarily stopped time. Confusion turned to happiness when advocates led by Vijay Agarwal — he represents Kareem Moranis — among a few others representing the accused, rushed out in the crowd shouting "acquitted, acquitted, acquitted" at the top of their voices.

Similarly, the mood inside the courtroom shifted in a fraction once the judge pronounced his verdict. An uproar and huge sigh of relief rocked the courtroom as all the 17 accused, including former Telecom Minister A Raja and DMK leader and MP Kanimozhi, jumped on their toes moments later.

Roars of "thank you" reverberated the jam-packed courtroom at Central Delhi's Patiala House Court as Kanimozhi bowed down before the judge to express her gratitude. Raja, dressed in a white shirt, quickly climbed atop a chair once outside the courtroom and acknowledged the frenzied crowd waiting for him.

Scenes of emotional outpouring of happiness could be spotted in various clusters across the court complex even as DB group founder, Shahid Balwa, broke down in the court.

Not long after the verdict was known, fireworks were heard across the din of people congratulating each other, prompting the special judge to inquire about the cause of the commotion.

And suddenly just like that, it was all over. After seven years, the 2G scam, which was touted as the 2nd biggest scam in the world by the Times Magazine after the 1972 Watergate Scandal which led to the resignation of US President Richard Nixon, came to an end.

It seemed all the worry and apprehension that plagued the accused and their kin melted and happy smiling faces were found to be seen all around.

All the prayers came to fruition, some were even found chanting and praying with rosaries inside the courtroom when the curtains fell after the brief 27-minute court proceedings. During this time the Special CBI Judge came to the bench thrice to deliver the verdict in the three separate cases registered.

"Giving the record of the case, it is a very brief judgment that I have given," Special Judge Saini said presenting the 1,552-paged judgment. He first announced the verdict in two cases, one each of CBI and Enforcement Directorate, followed by the last case pertaining to Essar.

Speaking to DNA, Kanimozhi said, "Finally I got justice. I am innocent. I have been saying so from the first day." Meanwhile, Raja could not contain his excitement and happiness as he received wishes from all corners.

Karim Morani, who was accompanied by his wife, daughters and two brothers said that justice has prevailed. RK Chandolia's family members and Raja's erstwhile private secretary also expressed their happiness on the verdict.

"It was not a 2G scam but a 2G revolution that A Raja had brought. We have finally got justice and our stand has been vindicated," Harsha, Chandolia's daughter said.

Touted as 2nd biggest scam

The 2G scam, which was touted as the 2nd biggest scam in the world by the Times Magazine after the 1972 Watergate Scandal which led to the resignation of US President Richard Nixon.