Raja quizzed again, says he ‘cooperated’ (Second Lead)

NEW DELHI - Former communications minister A. Raja was quizzed by the CBI for the second consecutive day Saturday on the 2G spectrum scam. Emerging after six hours of questioning, Raja said he was cooperating with the probe agency.

Raja, a senior leader of the DMK, reached the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) headquarters here at around 10 a.m. and left at around 4 p.m., CBI sources said.

Raja told reporters later: “I am cooperating with the investigative agency. No comments further,” and sped off in a white Toyota Corolla.

The 47-year-old was quizzed by the CBI for over eight hours Friday in connection with the 2G spectrum scandal, two weeks after the agency raided his premises in New Delhi and Tamil Nadu.

Raja had to step down Nov 14 as minister following allegations that second generation spectrum was sold to mobile companies at below market prices causing huge losses to the government in 2008 when he held the portfolio.

The DMK leader has denied all charges of wrongdoing. He was served the CBI summons a week ago while he was in Chennai. He had sought some time from the agency citing pressing personal work.

The CBI has also raided the premises of corporate lobbyist Niira Radia, who allegedly played a key role in ensuring that Raja got the communications portfolio when a new government took office in New Delhi last year.