ED set to grill key Raja aides

The Enforcement Directorate is likely to issue summons next week at least two officials considered to be close to former telecom minister A Raja in the 2G spectrum allocation scam probe.

The ED, which has registered a case under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), is almost certain to summon R K Chandolia and A K Srivastava, who worked with Raja.

Chandolia was private secretary to Raja and Srivastava held the post of deputy director general (access services) in the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) at the time of allocation of 2G spectrum.

Chandolia was sent back to his parent department, Indian Economic Services, within days of new telecom minister Kapil Sibal taking charge.

Reports said the two are likely to be grilled on the allocation process, the alleged role played by corporate lobbyist Niira Radia and on their income tax returns and investments.

The questioning would be based on information collected by various agencies including the CBI, income tax department and the ED itself over the last over one year.

The questions will be about the allocation process, including the controversial first-come-first-serve basis. They said questions would also be asked about the alleged role played by Radia and her dealing with them if any.