CBI chief Ranjit Sinha admits meeting Reliance officials, says being snooped upon - Economic Times

NEW DELHI: CBI Director Ranjit Sinha has admitted meeting two senior Reliance Anil Dhirubhai Ambani Group (ADAG) officials at his residence but claimed he had done them no favours. The CBI director, who is in the eye of a storm after activist-lawyer Prashant Bhushan alleged that Sinha had met persons linked to those accused in the 2G and coal scams, claimed a "deep-rooted" conspiracy was being hatched against him and expressed apprehension that he was under surveillance.

The Supreme Court will examine Bhushan's allegations on Thursday. The lawyer has alleged that according to a diary recording the particulars of visitors at Sinha's 2, Janpath residence, he met the two ADAG executives frequently.

"Yes, I have met the two ADAG officials. So what? I know them for the past 30 years. It is my duty to meet people who have a grievance against my officers. The question is whether I favoured them. Meet ing anyone is not banned," the CBI chief said.

Sources in the government said a "close watch" was being kept on the proceedings in the Supreme Court. Bhushan has asked the apex court to direct Sinha to recuse himself from the 2G case. He has further alleged that Sinha has also met those accused in the coal scam.

"It is a very serious matter. If there is an adverse ruling or observation against the CBI director by SC, his position may be untenable. The Modi regime has put a high premium on probity and propriety in public life," a senior government functionary told ET.

Three ADAG officials are among those accused in the 2G case. Sinha also alleged he was being subjected to snooping as the two diaries maintained at his residence never recorded visitors' details. "I don't know from where this third diary (mentioned by Bhushan) has emerged. Somebody is keeping a watch on me," he said.

Not Wrong to Meet Accused: Sinha

Asked who could be behind this, Sinha said: "I don't know. If this is corporate warfare and someone has personal enmity against me, I don't know. What are these people planning to do? This is character assassination, a deep-rooted conspiracy against me."

Defending his decision to meet officials of companies whose actions are being probed by CBI, Sinha asserted it was not wrong to meet those close to the accused or even the accused themselves since the head of CBI could not live in isolation. "Where else will those with complaints go? They come and tell me that there has been injustice, please do something. I look into the matter, speak to the investigating officer or joint director to know the progress of the case.