NEW DELHI, Aug 18:
A senior ED officer probing the 2G spectrum allocation scam has taken an year-long ‘study leave’ apparently owing to lack of clarity over his continuance in the agency, a move that may hamper probe in the case.
Officials said Enforcement Directorate (ED) Deputy Director Rajeshwar Singh, who has been nominated as the Investigating Officer (IO) in the 2G case by the Supreme Court, has proceeded on leave to pursue a degree in law even as the money laundering and foreign exchange violations probe in this case remain far from completion.
Singh, sources said, apparently sought the leave as there is no clear directive from the government over his continuance in the agency as the Finance Ministry earlier had sought his repatriation to his parent cadre in Uttar Pradesh police from the Supreme Court.
The officer later approached the Central Administrative Tribunal (CAT) for a clarity on his appointment and the quasi- judicial body later ordered for his continuance in the ED.
The CAT has ordered for a review of files in this regard and final hearing in September.
Singh, on being approached by PTI for comments, said he “would be back anytime” the investigations require.
“I would obey the directions of the Supreme Court with regard to the probe in the 2G case. I have nothing more to add,” he said.
The CBI has also recently sought to call Singh and few others as “witness” to strengthen its case in the Rs 200 crore alleged bribery in the Kalaignar TV case where the ED has recently filed a voluminous charge sheet against former Telecom Minister A Raja, DMK leader Kanimozhi and wife of DMK supremo K Karunanidhi, Dayalu Ammal.
CBI, in its plea, said these persons, including Singh, were required to be examined as witnesses in the ongoing trial as some new facts have emerged in the investigation conducted by the ED which has recently filed a separate charge sheet against 19 accused in a 2G scam related money laundering case.
Officials involved in the 2G probe team said the ED is expected to take its probe further in the case and file a complaint in the Aircel-Maxis deal and some notices under the Foreign Exchange Management Act are also due for issuance. (PTI)
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