Raja ‘will comply’ with CBI summons (Second Lead)

CHENNAI - Disgraced former communications minister A. Raja Monday said he was not in hiding and would “comply”, soon after the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) summoned him in connection with irregularities in 2G spectrum allocation.

Raja, who resigned last month over his suspected involvement in the scam that caused huge losses to the exchequer, is expected to appear before the investigating agency Wednesday, an official said.

“It is the usual procedure. I will comply with the needs,” a dismissive Raja told IANS in Chennai over telephone, reacting to the CBI summons. The DMK leader then hung up.

He also told reporters: “I am not in hiding, I am not an accused, so there is no need to apply for anticipatory bail.”

The CBI has searched Raja’s residences in New Delhi and in Perambalur in Tamil Nadu as well as the homes and business premises of his relatives and other associates.

Also raided by the CBI were a host of people associated with Raja, including corporate lobbyist Niira Radia and an NGO linked to DMK MP and Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M. Karunanidhi’s daughter Kanimozhi.

Raja has denied charges of wrongdoing.