The Enforcement Directorate on Wednesday questioned corporate lobbyist Nira Radia in connection with its probe into the 2G spectrum scam allegedly involving former telecommunication minister A. Raja. The ED is also likely to summon some senior journalists who were allegedly found lobbying for some politicians and corporate houses in reported conversation with Ms Radia.
The ED officials questioned Ms Radia for nearly eight hours. Sources said that she may be summoned for questioning again. The ED has already registered a case under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act in the month of March against unknown officials of the department of telecommunications (DoT) and representatives of certain private companies in connection with the award of new telecom licenses in 2008. The CBI has also registered a case saying there was large-scale corruption in the allocation of 2G radio spectrum licences in 2009.
Sources said, “Ms Radia was questioned by the ED officials under Section (50) of the PMLA Act. The statement of Ms Radia, recorded under this section, will be admissible as evidence before the court of law.” Ms Radia recorded her 20-page statement in her own hand-writing before the ED officials, sources said, adding that it would be examined further. If required, she will be called for questioning again, sources added.
“ED officials also asked questions related to her bank transactions. She submitted her transaction details as well as I-T returns to the ED officials. She mentioned about her transaction details in the statement too,” sources said. She submitted nearly 500 documents related to her bank transactions and I-T returns, sources said. It is reliably learnt that Ms Radia was also questioned about her relationship with Mr Raja and private telecom companies, who were in the race for the 2G allotment. It is also believed that she was asked question related to her reported telephonic conversation with top officials of the Telecom ministry, former bureaucrats and some scribes. The agency may prepare a list of those who remained in constant touch with Ms Radia during the time of 2G spectrum allotment, sources said.
Talking to reporters after Ms Radia’s questioning, deputy director of the ED, Mr Prabhakant said, “We have recorded her statement. She has promised to submit certain papers. We would be calling her as and when required.”
Ms Radia after her questioning, told reporters, “Unfortunately, there has been a mad media frenzy about the fact that I am not here. I am here, I am available for full cooperation with the authorities. The matter is pending before the Supreme Court and subjudice. Beyond this, I would not like to say anything else.”Ms Radia further said, “I also want to add that we are fully transparent. Whatever information is required from us and would be required as part of the ongoing probe would be provided. I would definitely speak to all of you at an appropriate time.” Later, Ms Radia, who is chairperson of Vaishnavi Corporate Communications also, issued a statement saying “our only client in telecom sector is Tata Teleservices that has been discriminated against over the years and therefore suffering huge losses.” The new CAG report also clearly states that Tata Teleservices has been unfairly discriminated against in the allotment of spectrum, she said, adding that the matter is sub-judice and infront of the Supreme Court. “It is unfortunate that certain sections of media have decided to overlook the real issues and instead focused on spreading stories of misinformation and malice on myself, Vaishnavi Group and in effect on our reputed client in the telecom sector,” she said. Meanwhile, the ED has also issued summons to seven private telecom companies in connection with its probe into the alleged 2G spectrum scam. Sources said summons have been issued to those private companies who were in the race for the 2G allotment. All seven companies have been asked to submit their financial records to the ED.