CBI had found key to locker,now loses key to 2G puzzle

Batcha’s death is a major blow to the CBI,even though an agency spokesperson insisted today that the probe would not suffer,because “all evidence has already been collected”. Batcha was under no pressure from CBI,the spokesperson said.

CBI officers in New Delhi said they were seeking details of the death to investigate the possibility of foul play,and would try to speak with the businessman’s family.

“He always feared for his life,and would be under immense pressure during interrogation,” said a top CBI officer. Batcha was reported to have fallen out with Raja some months ago,but had apparently patched up after the probe gathered momentum.

Batcha,managing director of Chennai-based Green House Promoters,had been on CBI’s radar for the past couple of years. Investigators raided his home and offices in Chennai in December and January,and he was questioned on four occasions.

The December 8 raid on Batcha’s home at 5th Cross Street,Euiamman Colony,Vaniya Teyanan Pet,Chennai,was carried out in the presence of the businessman,his wife S Reha Banu,and brother-in-law M Ashique. A note written in Tamil,denying Raja’s involvement with Green House Promoters,was discovered,along with a key — No. 1163 of locker No. 1154 at AXIS Bank’s Radhakrishnan Salai branch in Chennai.

Batcha’s wife declared that she possessed 882 g of gold ornaments,while her mother Jaithun Bi had 228 g,besides Rs 2,95,500 in cash and 745 UAE dirham. A diamond necklace worth Rs 8 lakh was recovered,along with debit cards of various banks.