2G scam: CBI allowed to quiz Raja for 4 more days in custody

New Delhi, Feb 10 (PTI) CBI was today allowed by a Delhicourt to quiz for four more days in custody former TelecomMinister A Raja to confront him with Shahid Usman Balwa, thepromoter of Swan Telecom, to ascertain their alleged roles inthe 2G spectrum allocation scam.

"Considering the serious nature and facts of the case,further recovery of the documents and the need for furtherconfrontation of the accused with each other and documents aswell as their consequent interrogation, I find merit in thesubmission of the investigating agency seeking grant of fourdays police custody remand of both the accused", Special CBIJudge O P Saini said.

"Prayer is allowed. Both the accused are remanded topolice custody till February 14," the judge said.

The 47-year-old DMK leader, who is being interrogated forseven days in custody by the agency, sought that his counselbe allowed to witness his custodial quizzing.

Balwa, who was arrested in Mumbai, also sought thepresence of his lawyer during the interrogation.

The court, however, rejected their plea saying "whenany person is arrested and interrogated by the police, heshall be entitled to meet an advocate of his choice duringinterrogation, though not throughout interrogation".

It, however, allowed the accused to meet their counselfor half an hour twice a day. (more) PTI AHA ABA AAC