Raja's aide, HFCL MD questioned in connection with 2G scam
The CBI questioned former telecom minister A Raja's close aide Sadiq Batcha and HFCL Managing Director Mahendra Nahata in connection with its probe in the 2G spectrum case.
February 23, 2011 / 08:55 IST
The CBI questioned former telecom minister A Raja's close aide Sadiq Batcha and HFCL Managing Director Mahendra Nahata in connection with its probe in the 2G spectrum case.
Official sources said Nahata of Himachal Futuristic Communications Limited (HFCL) was questioned with regard to Datacom Services, one of the beneficiaries of 2G spectrum allocation which was awarded to it at 2001 rates.Nahata allegedly sold 64% of equity in Datacom to Videocon owned by Dhoots, according to the sources. The company Datacom later became Videocon Telecommunications.The Comptroller and Auditor General in its report had alleged that while submitting application for 22 licences, Datacom Solutions had made a false claim of the paid-up capital of Rs 150 crore although documents indicated that the authorised share capital of the company as Rs one lakh only.The CBI also questioned Sadiq Batcha here in connection with the finances relating to his firms and his alleged proximity to the former telecom minister.
Batcha is the promoter of Green House Promoters, a Chennai-based export house, which has come under the scanner of the CBI and theEnforcement Directorate in the 2G spectrum case probe.
The probe agency had conducted searches at his official premises late last year.Sources said the CBI is examining if his firms could have acted as a front for possible kickbacks in the scam. He heads several real estate firms and the agencies are trying to find out any money trail in the scam.
Incidentally, Shahid Balwa, MD of DB Realty, who is currently lodged in Tihar Jail, has told the CBI that he knew Batcha for the past few years. Discover the latest Business News, Sensex, and Nifty updates. Obtain Personal Finance insights, tax queries, and expert opinions on Moneycontrol or download the Moneycontrol App to stay updated!
