New Delhi:
The Delhi High court has rejected the bail petition of Siddharth Behura, former Telecom Secretary. Mr Behura is among the 14 people who were arrested for the telecom scam allegedly masterminded by A Raja when he headed the Telecom Ministry in 2008.
The court said that Mr Behura was the Department of Telecommunication (DoT) Secretary and there are many crucial witnesses from the DoT who he can influence and he can also tamper with the evidence.
The court added that Mr Behura's case is different from that of the other accused because he was a public servant and hence, faces more serious charges under section 409 along with Mr Raja. It said being a public servant, Mr Behura was in a position of authority and commanded public trust.
12 people - including executives from Reliance ADAG and Unitech - have been granted bail recently. There were three public servants accused of criminal conspiracy and breach of public trust- Mr Raja, RK Chandolia and Mr Behura. Mr Chandolia, who was Mr Raja's Personal Secretary, was granted bail a few days ago.
Mr Behura and Mr Raja remain in prison.