Former telecom minister A Raja’s remand was increased by two days by Delhi’s Patiala House court today. His aides, RK Chandolia, personal secretary to Raja and Siddharth Behura the then telecom secretary, were sent to judicial custody of 14 days.
CBI’s public prosecutor, K K Goel, in his plea to extend Raja’s remand by four days, said, “He (Raja) needs to be confronted with some more officials and staff members”. Goel also said some important documents are yet to be traced.
Raja’s counsel, Ramesh Gupta, said, “How do they expect more information after five days of remand? No recovery is to be effected from him. And how is it that TV channels are already airing that Raja will get further remand?” To this, Goel responded, “The case diary has already been submitted to the court. Each and everything cannot be disclosed now in the open courtroom.” Raja would be presented before special CBI judge O P Saini on Thursday. Till then, he would remain in police custody. Chandolia and Behura will be sent to Tihar jail till February 22. The court allowed Chandolia’s plea to allow him to use reading glasses and some medicines prescribed by his doctor in jail. Chandolia’s case was presented by his lawyer, Smriti Sinha.
CBI’s investigation officer, Vivek Priyadarshi was present. CBI said that the remand of Behura and Chandolia was no longer required and they may be remanded as the investigation was not yet complete. About 20 supporters of Raja attended the hearing. MLAs Rajkumar from Raja’s native district Perambalur, Rajendran from Jayankondam and Sivasankar from Andimadam were among those present. Members of the Panchayat Union of Ariyalur district had also come down to the capital to show support for Raja. Raja’s brother, A K Perumal, was also present.
