Siddharth Behura accuses CBI of discriminating among 2G accused

NEW DELHI: Former Telecom Secretary Siddharth Behura, arrested for his alleged role in the 2G spectrum allocation scam, today accused the CBI in a Delhi court of discriminating among various accused in the case by not opposing their bail pleas for political considerations.

"The prosecution is making distinction (among accused). It shows there is political intrusion in the legal process," senior advocate Aman Lekhi said while referring to the CBI's stand of not opposing the bail pleas of five accused, including DMK MP Kanimozhi.

Lekhi made the allegation before Special Judge O P Saini, who later reserved his order on Behura's bail plea for November 3, when the court is slated to pronounce its order on seven other accused as well.

They included Kanimozhi, Kalignar TV Managing Director Sharad Kumar, filmmaker Karim Morani and Kusegaon Fruits and Vegetables directors Asif Balwa and Rajiv Agarwal, whose bail pleas were not opposed by the CBI.

CBI, however, had contested the bail pleas of Swan Telecom promoter Shahid Balwa and former Telecom Minister A Raja's erstwhile Private Secretary R K Chandolia, saying the specific charges framed against them carry up to seven years jail term.

"It is a colourable exercise of power. If the prosecution has conceded bail to Kanimozhi and (four) others, then all accused should be treated equally. Law makes no distinction among the accused," Lekhi contended in the court arguing for bail to Behura.

"On what basis they (CBI) are distinguishing it? The Supreme Court has rightly asked, to the CBI, to explain that on what basis they are doing so (discriminating)," he said.