CBI tutored witnesses in 2G case: accused to HC

Appearing for the accused, counsel Vijay Aggarwal argued that the Investigating officers (IO), who remained present in the court during the trial, called the witnesses days before they were to depose in the court and tutored them in the case.

Three accused persons, facing trial for their alleged roles in 2G spectrum allocation case, on Friday told the Delhi high court that the investigating officers had tutored the prosecution witnesses before their deposition in the case.

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Appearing for the accused, counsel Vijay Aggarwal argued before justice M L Mehta that the Investigating officers (IO), who remained present in the court during the trial, called the witnesses days before they were to depose in the court and tutored them in the case.

Citing the statement of a prosecution witness, Aggarwal said the IO called up the witness several times on his mobile to brief him.

Countering the allegation, CBI cited the apex court rulings and claimed the presence of IO is required during the trial in high-profile cases.

Justice M L Mehta posted the matter for February 1 after hearing the arguments.

Kushegaon Fruits and Vegetables Limited Directors Asif Balwa and Rajeev Aggarwal and R K Chandolia, former Private Secretary of prime accused A Raja, have opposed the presence of CBI investigating officers in the court room during the trial.

The accused have moved the high court challenging the trial court's order dismissing their objections to the presence of CBI officers Vivek Priyadarshi and Rajesh Chahal in the court room during deposition by other witnesses.