Raja gets hospitalised following CBI summons

NEW DELHI, INDIA: The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has summoned former communications minister A. Raja in connection with alleged irregularities in the 2G spectrum allocation, officials said on Monday.

Raja, who resigned last month over his suspected involvement in the scam that caused huge losses to the national exchequer, was likely to appear before the investigating agency Wednesday, an official said.

Meanwhile, reports said that Raja did an escapist act in a bid to avoid the clutches of the investigating agencies. According to media reports, Raja checked into Apollo Hospital in Chennai, where he had a brief consulting with Dr Palaniswamy there.

However, he said he will meet the Central Bureau of Investigation in response to the summons over the 2G spectrum scandal.

"It is the usual procedure. I will comply with the needs," Raja told IANS before disconnecting the telephone line.

The CBI has searched Raja's residences in New Delhi and in Perambalur in Tamil Nadu as well as the homes and business premises of his relatives and other associates.

Also raided by the CBI were a host of people associated with Raja, including corporate lobbyist Niira Radia and an NGO linked to DMK MP and Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M. Karunanidhi's daughter Kanimozhi.

Raja has denied charges of wrongdoing.

(With inputs from CIOL bureau)