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Former telecom minister A Raja

INDIA’S former telecoms minister A Raja, who faces trial over a massive corruption case involving mobile telephone licences, was granted bail on Tuesday (May 15) after 15 months in prison.

Raja was arrested in February 2011 for allegedly conspiring with officials and businessmen to sell second-generation (2G) telecom licences at throwaway prices in 2008 to favour some firms, costing the treasury up to $39bn (£24.26bn).

A New Delhi court granted Raja bail despite opposition from prosecutors who argued that he could try to influence witnesses who may be called in his trial.

Raja is a member of the regional Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) party, part of Dr Singh’s Congress-led national coalition, and court officials said his bail conditions banned him from Tamil Nadu, the DMK’s base.

More than a dozen people are on trial on corruption charges at a special court in New Delhi.

Another key accused, Kanimozhi, who uses one name and also belongs to the DMK, was freed on bail last November, six months after she was arrested over the scandal.

Both Raja and Kanimozhi have denied any wrongdoing.

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