Raja asks for time to appear before CBI (Third Lead)

CHENNAI - Summoned by the CBI for questioning over the 2G spectrum allocation scam, former communications minister A. Raja Monday said he has told the probe agency he can appear for quizzing only after two days as he is busy with some personal work in Chennai.

Speaking to reporters here Monday, Raja said he had called up the Central Bureau of Investigation Saturday on receipt of the summons and told them of his inability to come for questioning for the next two days as he is in Chennai and busy with some personal work.

Raja said he has requested CBI to fix some other date for questioning.

Raja, who resigned last month over his suspected involvement in the scam that caused huge losses to the exchequer, was expected to appear before the investigating agency Wednesday, an official said.

“It is the usual procedure. I will comply with the needs,” a dismissive Raja told IANS in Chennai over telephone, reacting to the CBI summons. The DMK leader then hung up.

He also told reporters: “I am not in hiding, I am not an accused, so there is no need to apply for anticipatory bail.”

He described media reports and speculation about him trying to evade the CBI as rubbish.

The CBI has searched Raja’s residences in New Delhi and in Perambalur in Tamil Nadu as well as the homes and business premises of his relatives and other associates.

Also raided by the CBI were a host of people associated with Raja, including corporate lobbyist Niira Radia and an NGO linked to DMK MP and Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M. Karunanidhi’s daughter Kanimozhi.

Raja has denied charges of wrongdoing.