2G scam: Ratan Tata demands probe by independent agency

NEW DELHI: Tata group chairman Ratan Tata has demanded that the leak of Niira Radia tapes be probed by an independent agency, saying the ongoing inquiry was "insufficient" and "inadequate" for the twin purposes of fixing responsibility and protecting right to privacy.

In a fresh affidavit in the Supreme Court, the industrialist said, "The inquiry is limited to the Income Tax department and does not extend to others — Enforcement Directorate, Department of Revenue Intelligence, Intelligence Bureau and Central Bureau of Investigation — since they are administratively independent of the ministry of finance."

Tata also drew the SC's attention to the committee's inability to take action against service providers. The finance ministry, in its affidavit, told the court that the matter fell within the telecom ministry's domain.

"Thus, the inquiry, which is sought to be done, is inadequate. It is apparent that the limited nature of inquiry ordered by the government does not redress my grievances raised in the writ petition at all," Tata said.

The government has resiled from its initial position, denying any responsibility for the leak of Radia tapes and pleading inability to retrieve transcripts already out in the public domain. It has since acknowledged its responsibility for the safe-keeping of recorded intercepts.