Prashant Bhushan in SC accuses CBI of shielding Chidambaram

New Delhi: Counsel for Centre for PIL and a member of Team Anna Prashant Bhushan today in the Supreme Court accused
CBI of shielding Union Home Minister P Chidambaram, who is facing allegations of involvement in the 2G spectrum scam.Mr Bhushan submitted before a bench comprising Justices G S Singhvi and A K Ganguly that Special Investigation Team (SIT) should be set up by the Supreme Court to monitor further probe including the role of Mr Chidambaram, who was the Finance Minister when the scam took place. Mr Bhusan also pleaded that the role of Attorney General G E Vahanvati in 2G spectrum scam should also be investigated. Mr Bhushan slammed CBI for refusing to conduct probe against Mr Chidambaram on the ground that the investigation in the case is already complete and the charge sheet is already filed. He contended that in Gujrat riot case the apex court ordered the investigation by SIT even when the trial in riot cases was at final stage and therefore the judgement in Vineet Narain case does not debar the apex court from setting up an SIT to ensure free and fair probe. Both CBI and the Centre will respond tomorrow to the arguments made by Mr Bhushan. Mr Bhushan said the attitude of CBI in the present case is strange. The CBI also submitted a fresh status report on the role of former Union Telecom Minister Dayanidhi Maran, who is facing allegations of forcing Aircel owner Mr Sivasankaran to sell his company to Malaysian company Maxis in which Mr Maran and his family members have stakes. The Supreme Court also adjourned hearing on Janata Party president Subramaniam Swamy’s plea and asked for all documents pertaining to then Finance Secretary Subba Rao. Senior counsel K K Venugopal today told the Supreme Court that CBI will be filing an FIR against Mr Maran soon. Mr Bhushan also pleaded for investigation in the role of Anil Ambani and Essar group in 2G spectrum case.