ED, IT and CBI chiefs to appear before CVC to discuss 2G probe

The probe into the 2G scam has received a momentum with Central Vigilance Commission calling chiefs of all concerned probe agencies to appear before it for briefing on the status and the blue print for further investigation.

Sources said the heads of the Enforcement Directorate (ED), Income Tax (IT) Department and Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) have been called from tomorrow for taking stock of the probe into allocation of second generation spectrum to telecom companies.

They said the officials of three the law enforcement agencies have been called on separate days to allow them to submit elaborative presentations on the ongoing probe.

The meeting comes in the wake of a Supreme Court verdict, directing the CBI to file status reports on its ongoing probe into the spectrum case to the CVC.

While hearing a plea, the apex court has also cancelled 122 2G licences given to telecom companies in 2008, holding that they were issued in a "totally arbitrary and unconstitutional manner". The apex court has also asked the government to initiate a process to allot fresh licences based on auction of spectrum.

The sources said while the CBI team will appear before the commission tomorrow, that from the ED is scheduled to furnish its submissions on February 22 and Income Tax Department on February 24.

"The officials will give their presentations before the anti-corruption watchdog. Central Vigilance Commissioner Pradeep Kumar, along with the senior officials of the CVC, will also be present during the meeting," they said.