Finally,CBI begins probe into Batcha death

He was being probed on the alleged kickbacks in the multi-crore 2G spectrum scam

More than a fortnight after the alleged suicide of former telecom minister A Rajas close aide,A M Sadhick Batcha,the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) on Tuesday registered a case and started probing his death. Batcha was found hanging at his Chennai house on March 16. He was being probed on the alleged kickbacks in the multi-crore 2G spectrum scam.

According to the agency,the investigations into Batchas alleged suicide is being done under Section 174 of the CrPC. This section allows a probe agency to investigate cases where death has been caused by unnatural reasons. The agency registered a case after the Supreme Courts direction to the government on Monday to issue within three days a notification for handing over the investigations to the CBI after it was alleged that the Centre was sitting over the request for the last fortnight.

According to CBI officials,Batcha was the key link in the entire scam and was aware about investment made on Rajas behalf. He was summoned by the CBI on three occasion,but did not reveal much. Batcha was the Managing Director of Greenhouse Promoters,which the CBI and Enforcement Directorate suspect to be a front for Raja.

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The CBI in its chargesheet filed on April 2 had alleged that the money connected with the 2G spectrum scam had travelled through Batchas company to Kalaignar TV in which Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M Karunanidhis wife Dayaluammal was one of the owners. The agency had said that Rs 200 crore connected with 2G scam travelled from a partnership firm of Shahid Usman Balwa,an accused in the case,to Kalaignar TV.

IPS officer to head 2G probe

IPS officer Hitesh Chandra Awasthi has been cleared to head the probe into the 2G spectrum scam after Y P Singh took voluntary retirement to join an International Cricket Council assignment. Awasthi,a 1985-batch IPS officer of Uttar Pradesh cadre,has on April 1 rejoined work after a year-long study leave and is tipped to head the Delhi unit,which is overlooking the 2G spectrum and CWG probes,as the Joint Director.

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