The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has filed a charge sheet against former Telecom Minister and DMK leader A Raja for allegedly amassing assets worth Rs 5.53 crore during his tenure as Union minister. The agency has alleged that a close associate of Raja received a payment of Rs 4.56 crore from a real estate company as commission for a land deal, which was actually a quid pro quo for giving the company special status as an infrastructure company. Despite being acquitted in the 2G spectrum allocation case, the charge sheet alleges that Raja's assets were disproportionate to his known sources of income. Stay informed on this developing story with our award-winning journalism.
CBI Files Chargesheet Against Former Telecom Minister A Raja for Disproportionate Assets
Background
A. Raja, a prominent politician from the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK), served as India's Telecom Minister from 2007 to 2011. During his tenure, he oversaw the controversial 2G spectrum allocation case, which was marred by allegations of corruption and misuse of authority.
In 2011, Raja was arrested by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) and charged with criminal conspiracy, cheating, and corruption. He was convicted in 2012 and sentenced to four years in prison. However, in 2017, the Supreme Court acquitted him of all charges, citing lack of evidence.
Current Charges
Despite being acquitted in the 2G case, the CBI has now filed a charge sheet against Raja for allegedly amassing disproportionate assets worth Rs 5.53 crore during his tenure as Telecom Minister. The agency claims that Raja and his close associate received illicit payments in exchange for granting favors to a real estate company.
According to the charge sheet, a company called Swan Telecom received special status as an infrastructure company from the Department of Telecommunications (DoT), then headed by Raja. In return, an associate of Raja allegedly received a payment of Rs 4.56 crore as commission for a land deal between Swan Telecom and a real estate firm.
FAQs
1. What are the allegations against A Raja?
A Raja is accused of amassing assets worth Rs 5.53 crore disproportionate to his known sources of income. The CBI alleges that he received illicit payments in exchange for granting favors to a real estate company.
2. What is the basis for the charges?
The CBI's charge sheet is based on evidence gathered from bank records, land deals, and statements from witnesses. The agency alleges that Raja's assets grew significantly during his tenure as Telecom Minister.
3. Why was Raja acquitted in the 2G case but charged in this case?
The 2G spectrum allocation case was focused on the irregularities in the allocation of 2G spectrum licenses, while the current charges relate to allegations of disproportionate assets. The CBI claims to have gathered new evidence that supports these allegations.
4. What are the possible consequences for Raja?
If convicted, Raja could face imprisonment and forfeiture of assets. However, he is presumed innocent until proven guilty by the court.
5. What is the significance of this case?
This case is significant because it reopens the investigation into the alleged corruption during Raja's tenure as Telecom Minister. It also highlights the CBI's continued efforts to prosecute those accused of corruption and disproportionate assets.
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