CBI 2G prosecutor removed after CD 'triggers doubt'

Acting on a CD that allegedly raises suspicion about the role of its own public prosecutor in the 2G scam case, A K Singh, the CBI on Monday removed Singh from the trial and registered a preliminary enquiry to probe the development.

The CD containing voices of two persons is said to detail a discussion between Singh and Unitech MD Sanjay Chandra. The 17-minute audio clip was reportedly received by the CBI from an unknown source last week and was aired by TV news channel CNN-IBN on Monday. The CBI has informed the special court set up for 2G cases about the CD.

CNN-IBN claimed that Singh, in the purported taped conversation in its possession, can be heard advising how the proceedings in the 2G case against Unitech can be muddled. It is alleged that Singh is also suggesting ways to weaken the CBI's case against Unitech. The Indian Express has not accessed the CD and cannot independently verify its reported contents.

Unitech refuted the allegations sought to be made by the CD and said Chandra had neither met Singh outside court nor had any phone conversation with him.

It said the voice on the CD appeared fabricated and was an attempt to malign him and prejudice his defence in the 2G case.

CBI director Ranjit Sinha said he could not confirm the genuineness of the recording and a forensic examination would give the correct picture. But since the prosecutor has come under a cloud, he had been transferred from the case, he said, adding that until the inquiry is completed, CBI cannot take action against Singh.

"We have registered a PE and are verifying the allegations leveled in the audio tape. The CD containing the audio was received by CBI few days back from an unknown person," said CBI spokesperson Dharini Mishra. Sources said Chandra, who is alleged to be the second voice in the CD, was examined by CBI and also confronted with Singh on Monday.

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