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CBI today opposed 2G spectrum allocation scam accused and Swan Telecom promoter Shahid Usman Balwa’s plea for permission to visit Mumbai to attend an extra-ordinary general body meeting of Etisalat DB,his DB Realty group’s joint venture firm with UAE’s Etisalat.
CBI counsel Raman Kumar opposed the plea before Special Judge O P Saini apprehending that if allowed to visit Mumbai,Balwa could influence witnesses in the case.
“If accused (Balwa) is allowed to visit Mumbai,there are chances of his contacting and winning over witnesses,” Kumar said opposing Balwa’s plea seeking permission to attend the EGM of Etisalat DB on June 15 in Mumbai.
The court reserved its order on Balwa’s plea for tomorrow after hearing the arguments from both sides.
No rights will be curtailed if Balwa is not allowed to attend the meeting by going to Mumbai,contended CBI adding he can attend the meeting through his proxy.
Balwa’s counsel Vijay Aggarwal said “how will Balwa meet and influence witnesses when he will be going to the venue straight with two police personnel escorting him”?
He said his Mumbai trip is not going to affect the trial of the case as the meeting is on June 15 when the court will be closed for summer vacation.
Balwa’s lawyer had submitted that his client,who is a shareholder of Etisalat DB,will attend the meeting in the judicial custody and will bear all expenses including travel expenses.
Meanwhile,the court asked CBI to file its response by tomorrow on Balwa’s other application seeking permission to appear before the Income Tax officials on June 20.
Balwa,arrested on February 8,has been chargesheeted for conspiring with government officials and former Telecom Minister A Raja to secure 2G spectrum licences and for giving Rs 200 crore bribe to DMK MP Kanimozhi.
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