CBI to file 2G probe progress report

The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) on Tuesday is expected to submit a progress report on its probe into the 2G spectrum scam to the Supreme Court.

The apex court is also set to resume hearing into the case of cancelling licenses issued by former telecoms minister A Raja, who is accused of a massive swindle during the 2008 allocation of 2G spectrum.

He faces the charge of leading the scandal, that cost the national exchequer up to 1.76 lakh crore, according to the government?s auditor.

As Raja languishes in jail, the investigating agency has quizzed several people, including his party Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam?s (DMK) chief and Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M Karunanidhi and a number of telecoms companies.

Karunanidhi’s daughter Kanimozhi and wife Dayalu Ammal too have been questioned by the CBI.

Shahid Balwa, the former Managing Director of DB Group, that floated Swan Telecom (now Etisalat DB) and allegedly paid kickbacks to Raja and his party in lieu of favours during the 2008 allocation process was also arrested.