CBI to hold separate preliminary enquiries on criminality in Radia tapes

CBI is likely to register separate preliminary enquiries to look into instances of criminality in the 15 tapped conversations of lobbyist Niira Radia with several government officials following a direction by the Supreme Court.

The apex court today directed CBI to probe criminality in 15 tapped conversations in which it prima facie observed "deep rooted malice by private enterprises".

Highly placed sources said the agency would register separate enquiries for different instances of alleged criminality in the tapes.

The sources said they would proceed with the enquiries which would be concluded within a period of two months as directed by the Supreme Court.

"Once we receive a copy of the court order, we would study what apex court wants us to probe and would proceed accordingly," a senior official said.

"Prima facie, there is a deep rooted malice by private enterprises in connivance with the government officials and Niira Radia's conversations suggest that influential persons indulged in corrupt practices for private gains for extraneous purpose," a bench headed by Justice G S Singhvi said.

On the basis of analysis of the telephonic conversations of Radia which was done by apex court-appointed committee, the bench directed the CBI to complete its probe within two months and asked it to file the report in the Supreme Court.

However, the bench while reading out the order did not elaborate on the issues to be looked into by the agency.

It noted the submission of the CBI which had found element of criminality involved in them.

The bench referred to one issue, which reportedly pertains to judiciary, to the Chief Justice of India to pass an appropriate order.

It also referred another issue to Chief Vigilance Officer of Mines Department.
The court directed the committee to scrutinise entire transcript of the tapped conversations and posted the matter for further directions on December 16.