2G: SC seeks CBI's reply on bail pleas of Chandra, Goenka

The Supreme Court today issued notice to the CBI seeking its response on the bail pleas of Unitech Wireless' Managing Director Sanjay Chandra and Director of Swan Telecom Vinod Goenka, accused in the 2G scam case.

A bench comprising justices G S Singhvi and H L Dattu asked the agency to respond within two weeks.

Both the accused have challenged the Delhi High Court order rejecting their bail pleas.

CBI, in its first charge sheet in the 2G scam case, filed on April 2 had accused Goenka and Chandra of cheating, forgery and criminal conspiracy.

Chandra, in his plea, said he has been in jail for 108 days and CBI had told the special court that the probe with regard to allegations against him and 16 other co-accused is complete.

He has also claimed there is no evidence of any money trail relating to him or bribing former Telecom Minister A Raja.

He also said he has cooperated with CBI in its probe and there was no fear of his tampering with evidence.

On May 23, the Delhi High Court had rejected the bail pleas of five corporate executives, including Chandra, DB Realty promoter Vinod Goenka and Group MD of Reliance ADAG Gautam Doshi, senior vice-president Hari Nair and group president Surendra Pipara.

The CBI had alleged that Unitech Wireless which was ineligible for 2G spectrum was the "biggest beneficiary" of the scam as its Managing Director, Chandra was actively involved in the conspiracy with Raja and other accused in the case.

The agency had alleged that Swan Telecom was also ineligible and was a front company for Reliance ADAG Group.

The CBI, in its second charge sheet, had alleged that a bribe of Rs 200 crore was transferred from DB Realty, of which Goenka was the Managing Director, to DMK-run Kalaignar TV through a circuitous route.

Both, Chandra and Goenka were arrested by the CBI on April 20 and are currently lodged in Tihar jail along with other 12 accused including DMK MP Kanimozhi.