The arrest of the former Indian telecom minister in the ongoing 2G Spectrum allocation case was considered a major milestone. After several rounds of questioning and raids at his residence, offices and firms in which he was supposed to have had business interests, it appeared that the government was finally dealing firmly with corruption.
Fifteen months later, the genuine efforts of those involved in addressing the multi-billion dollar telecommunications scam has been brought to nought. Raja walked free from jail on bail, after the judge ruled against the slow progress of the trial and the fact that almost all the other accused had been released thus making it pointless to detain Raja.
Which brings to mind the key issue in this case - was it all worth it? Is the investigative authority still under the political tutelage of the federal government? Is the Congress applying balm on the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam's wounds ahead of the elections? While both parties have been guarded in their response it is clear that Raja lives to fight another day.
