New Delhi: It was in a 12x15 feet cell
in Tihar jail that former Telecom Minister A Raja started his
48th birthday on Tuesday, far removed from the day-long
celebrations that marked such occasions in the past.
In prison for 83 days, Raja, arrested in connection
with the 2G scam, began the day with some breathing exercises
at 5 am in his Jail No.1.
After the usual head count, he went in for an hour of
`pranayam` conducted for all inmates inside the jail.
This was followed by a breakfast which included two
pieces of bread with a cup of tea and a plate of curry, jail
officials said.
At around 8.30 am, dressed in a white shirt and a deep
blue trouser, Raja boarded the jail van that was waiting to
take inmates to the Patiala court.
On reaching the court where he stayed for over six
hours, eyewitness said that Raja conversed with DMK MP
Kanimozhi and other accused in the 2 G spectrum case.
Raja, who smiled on occasions, appeared calm and
composed throughout the day`s court proceedings that continued
till 4.30 pm.
He was back in the jail premises at around 5.30 pm.
Hardly any of his fellow inmates or jail officials
came to know that it was the birthday of the once powerful and
well-connected DMK leader.
"It is news to me that today is the birthday of Mr
Raja. It was a normal day today," an official who did not wish
to be named said.
Raja was brought to Tihar jail on February 17.
PTI
