2G scam: PAC summons Tata, Anil Ambani, Radia

Parliament's Public Accounts Committee has called leading industrialists, including Ratan Tata and Anil Ambani, and corporate lobbyist Niira Radia to appear before the panel in connection with the 2G spectrum scam which it is probing.

Sources said the PAC will meet on April 4 and 5 to discuss the 2G scam which had led to the resignation of former telecom minister A Raja. He was later arrested and is still in custody.

"Niira Radia and Ratan Tata have been called on April 4 to discuss their role in the 2G allocation. On April 5, representatives of four companies -- Swan Telecom, Reliance, Airtel and Unitech -- have been asked to present themselves," they said.

Radia is the promoter of Vaishnavi Corporate Communications.

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Reacting to the PAC decision, Tata and Ambani said they would be happy to appear before the PAC. "Tata has expressed his willingness to appear before the PAC on April 4 in connection with the recent developments in the telecom sector, including allocation of 2G and 3G spectrum," a Tata Sons spokesperson said in a statement.

In a similar statement, Reliance Communication spokesperson said, "Anil Ambani welcomes the opportunity to appear before the PAC."

When asked, Vaishnavi said its chief Radia will appear before the committee. "We continue to extend our cooperation and will be present before the PAC to answer queries and present any clarifications," a Vaishnavi spokesperson said.

After editors of Outlook and Open magazines were called in the 2G spectrum case to question them on the revelations made in their respective publications about tapes regarding Radia's telephonic conversations with captains of industry and important journalists, it was clear that she would be summoned by the PAC.

PAC Chairperson Murli Manohar Joshi as well as several members of the panel had expressed "satisfaction and happiness" with the deposition made by Vinod Mehta from Outlook and Manu Joseph from Open.

The tapes brought to light Radia allegedly lobbying with journalists and important people to influence formation of the United Progressive Alliance-II cabinet, especially the telecom portfolio. Radia is allegedly heard in the tapes making a case for Raja to get the telecom portfolio and ensure that Dayanidhi Maran also of the Dravida Munnettra Kazhagam is kept out. Ratan Tata also figures in some of these purported conversations with Radia.

Representatives of four telecom firms RCom, Swan Telecom and Unitech, have been called on April 5. Swan Telecom (now DB Etisalat) chief Shahid Usman. Balwa is already in custody in the 2G Spectrum case.