From the 2G courts: Reliance execs likely to leave Tihar by midnight

New Delhi: Usually seen keeping a low profile as he sits observing the court proceedings from the second row of the special CBI court, Surendra Pipara, a top Reliance Anil Dhirubhai Ambani Group (ADAG) official, an accused in the 2G case, didn’t betray any emotion as he waited for formalities for his bail to be completed. Dressed in a pista-green shirt, “No comments,” he said when asked about the Supreme Court decision today to grant bail to five of the accused in the 2G case. On prodding, all Pipara said was, “We are happy,” with a brief smile. [caption id=“attachment_138605” align=“alignleft” width=“380” caption=“Image courtesy CNN-IBN.”]  [/caption] The four others who were granted bail were Reliance ADAG executives Hari Nair and Gautam Doshi, Unitech Wireless MD Sanjay Chandra and Swan Telecom’s Vinod Goenka. According to a reporter who was present inside the courtroom where the 2G trial is underway, there was cheering and celebration by the accused and family members when the news broke. It forced the judge to order all except the accused and the lawyers to leave the courtroom. There were reports of relatives frantically making calls, hugging each other. Relatives of Bollywood producer Karim Morani and Swan Telecom Promoter Shahid Balwa – both accused - were, according to eyewitness reports, seen crying at hearing the news. Sweets and chocolates were also distributed at the court by well-wishers of the accused who were granted bail. “God is great,” said Gautam Doshi’s wife, looking visibly relieved. Asked whether she was hopeful of the bail being granted, she said, “We have no choice but to be optimistic.” Defence lawyers were seen congratulating each other and there was an overwhelming sense in the defence camp that bail for the remaining 14 was now only a matter of time. Speaking to Firstpost on what this meant for the other accused, defence lawyer Majid Memon said  “subsequent bail applications will be at an advantage now.” Former telecom minister and the most high profile of the 2G accused A Raja’s brother, A Kaliaperumal, a regular at court, called the development, a ‘big success.” Asked what Raja’s reaction was, he did not elaborate. Reacting to the first series of bail being granted in the 2G case, Swan Telecom promoter Shahid Balwa’s father said, “Thanks to the Almighty that he has given some relief. Soon all will get bail. Our faith in the judiciary has deepened. There will be no celebration, only prayers.” Unitech Ltd released a statement to the press within hours of the bail being granted stating, “Going forward Mr Chandra’s endeavour will be to prove his innocence in the ongoing trial.” Following passports and two sureties of Rs 5 lakh each being submitted, the special CBI court passed the release order for each of the five accused. The focus now shifts to Tihar Jail where the accused will be taken before they are released on bail tonight.