CBI gets two-day transit remand to bring Balwa to Delhi

Mumbai, Feb 9 (PTI) CBI was today allowed two daystransit remand of Swan Telecom promoter Shahid Usman Balwa bya Mumbai court to take him to Delhi and confront him withformer Telecom Minister A Raja, who is also in the agency''scustody in connection with the 2G spectrum case.

Balwa, who was arrested last evening from his Bandraresidence, was produced before Special CBI Judge S C Chandakwho allowed the agency two days of transit remand for hisproduction before a Delhi court.

Arguing in the court, Balwa''s counsel contended that thecompany of his client was being singled out and was being made"scape goat" despite some more firms being involved in thecase.

Countering the argument, the CBI counsel said that Balwasold the licence to Etisalat, a UAE based company, allegedlyfor Rs 4200 crores while he had got it for Rs 1537 crore.

After the hearing the two sides, the judge said thatsince the CBI has Raja in its custody, it may need to confrontthe former minister and Balwa as the accused may have divulgedsomething during his interrogation.

Balwa''s arrest came two days ahead of the Supreme Courthearing the ongoing 2G spectrum case.

Sources claimed that the CBI had some evidence throughIncome Tax department that Balwa, a known close aide of Raja,was instrumental in channelling alleged kickbacks received bythe former telecom minister in the sale of 2G spectrum.

According to the sources, Balwa had allegedly helped theminister and some of his close confidantes for parking themoney in the real estate sector.