Former Telecom Minister A Raja, an accused in the 2G case, today accepted having met former corporate lobbyist Niira Radia along with then Tata group chairman Ratan Tata at his residence in connection with work of Tata group, but categorically denied having any telephonic conversation with her.
"I met her once or twice along with Ratan Tata and thereafter, met her a few times, both in the Ministry of Environment and Forests as well as in the Ministry of Communications & Information Technology (MOC&IT)," Raja told Special CBI Judge O P Saini while deposing as a witness to defend himself in the ongoing trial in 2G case.
"In both the Ministries, she came to meet me. She used to visit me in connection with work of Tata group. She met me once at my house along with Ratan Tata.
"I am not able to recollect if I had any telephonic conversation with her from my side. I am unable to Irecollect exactly if she ever called me. I am sure that I myself never called her," said Raja while being cross-examined by special public prosecutor U U Lalit, who asked if he has ever met Radia or not.
In July last year, while deposing as a prosecution witness, Radia had told the court that she had telephonic conversation about Cabinet formation with Raja and had attended meetings on behalf of Tatas with him at his residential office here during November 2008.
On being asked whether he was aware of Kalaignar TV, the DMK leader said that he was aware of it as a viewer and did not know its shareholding pattern.
"I am aware as a viewer and watching Kalaignar TV (P) Limited since the time it was launched. It was launched in 2007. I do not know who launched this channel. I am not aware of the management of Kalaignar TV," Raja, whose cross- examination was deferred for tomorrow after he complained of being unwell, said.
