PAC may summon Radia and some prominent journalists

NEW DELHI: Parliament's Public Accounts Committee may summon corporate lobbyist Niira Radia and some prominent journalists who figure in the taped conversations with her relating to portfolio allocation in the UPA-II cabinet and the 2-G spectrum controversy.

Sources said Radia and at least two journalists are likely to be asked to appear before the PAC at its next meeting. However, the date has not been fixed for the meeting and the PAC has not yet intimated the persons to be called.

The complete list of persons to be summoned by the PAC has also not been finalised but some more names may be included, the sources said.

In the taped conversations, which were leaked to the media, Radia is heard talking to senior journalists about how the Telecom Ministry should be given to DMK's A Raja. She is also asking them to take up the issue with senior Congress leaders.

The PAC, which is examining the CAG report that pegged the loss in the 2-G spectrum scam at Rs 1.76 Lakh Crore, has, among others, heard the CBI director who was asked to appear before the panel.