Telecom probe identifies officials responsible

NEW DELHI, INDIA: An investigator probing India's allotment of telecom licences and spectrum said he has identified government officials responsible for lapses in the allocation process and suggested remedial measures.

"We have identified the officials on whose part either there was deficiency or violation or lapse," former Supreme Court judge Shivaraj Patil said.

Indian Telecom Minister Kapil Sibal said his ministry would study the report and decide what action needs to be taken.

The former judge was investigating shortcomings and lapses in the 2G licensing process after a government audit in November said the Indian government had awarded licences too cheaply in some cases, possibly costing the state $39 billion in revenue.