2G scam: Shahid Balwa cites aching back, will be tried via video conferencing

A Delhi court allowed Swan Telecom promoter Shahid Usman Balwa on Monday to appear before it in the 2G allocation scam via video conferencing, considering his medical condition.

The reprieve to Balwa comes close on the heels of a similar permission granted to former telecom minister A Raja. Both are lodged in Tihar jail.

Special CBI judge OP Saini, who accepted Balwa’s plea, said, “The remand proceeding of accused Shahid Usman Balwa shall be conducted through the facility of video-conferencing on March 17 without him being physically brought to the court from Tihar jail.”

Balwa’s counsel Vijay Aggarwal submitted before the court that his client was suffering from severe backache and considering his medical condition, he be allowed to appear before the court through video-conferencing.

He will be produced along with Raja on March 17, while former telecom secretary Siddhartha Behura and the former Union minister’s personal secretary RK Chandolia, also lodged in Tihar jail, would be brought to the court after expiry of their judicial custody.

“As video electronic linkage is available both in Patiala House court and in Tihar jail and nothing contrary has been brought to my notice, the prayer is allowed,” the judge said.

The ex-telecom minister is alleged to have manipulated rules to favour some telecom companies, including Swan Telecom and Unitech Private Limited, in allocation of spectrum.