2G scam: court refuses bail to Shahid Balwa and two others

New Delhi, May 24 (PTI) Swan Telecom promoter Shahid
Usman Balwa, an accused in 2G spectrum allocation scam, was
on Tuesday refused bail by a Delhi court which said he has
failed to "make out a case" for his release from jail in view
of the apprehension that witnesses could be influenced.
Special CBI Judge O P Saini, exclusively dealing with
the 2G case, also dismissed the bail pleas of Balwa's cousin,
Asif Balwa and Rajeev Aggarwal, accused of facilitating Rs 200
crore bribe to Kalaignar TV in which DMK MP Kanimozhi holds 20
per cent share.
"Considering the magnitude of the crime, nature and
enormity of the allegations, character of evidence on record
and the apprehension that the witnesses may be influenced in
case if the acused are released on bail, I have no hesitation
in holding that acused have failed to make out a case for
bail. Bail applications are without merits and the same are
dismissed," the judge said.
The court also took into account CBI's apprehensions
that the accused, if released on bail at this stage, may
influence the witnesses as many of the them are employed in
their companies.
"As such, when there is relationship of employer and
employee between the accused and the witnesses or the accused
is comparatively in an advantageous position, economically and
financially vis-a-vis the witnesses, such an apprehension
cannot be dismissed as unfounded," the judge noted.
Asif Balwa and Rajeev Agarwal are directors of Kusegaon
Fruits and Vegetables Pvt Ltd in which Shahid Balwa also holds
a stake.
The court said the allegation against the three accused
are "grave" and there are supporting evidence on record
against them.