B Ramalinga Raju’s stature may have been much diminished after his admission that he falsified accounts at Satyam Computer, but he continues to
be surrounded by the remnants of many trappings of power.
On his way to the court in a comfortable sedan, the author of the financial scandal that has stunned Corporate India, is accompanied by a posse of armed policemen — two sub-inspectors , one assistant commissioner of police, one inspector and about a dozen constables.
“People accused of an offence are not treated in this manner, and Mr Raju must be given such special treatment,” quipped a miffed police official.
While others accused of crimes enter the court through the main entrance, Mr Raju was allowed to use the elevator reserved for judges. But his lawyers are not satisfied. They are asking the court to give Mr Raju “special status” and want him to be treated “with care” .
“He comes from a dignified family and cannot undergo any torture ,” said one of the lawyers representing the disgraced founder of the software firm. If special status is allowed, he can get some privileges , including the use of kitchen appliances so he can cook for himself. In addition, he can view television and read newspapers and magazines. Presently, Mr Raju is allowed only two blankets.
But the public prosecutor is arguing that the former top boss of Satyam should be denied any special treatment for committing what he called a “monumental fraud” .
Mr Raju himself was dishevelled and confused during his court appearance on Friday. In sharp contrast to his usual dapper appearance, he looked dull and sounded weak while answering a question in court.
He had to be asked twice to stand and asked for the question to be repeated when the magistrate wanted to know from him whether he was being harassed by the police during interrogation.
“Ledandi (No, Sir),” he replied in Telugu—probably the first time he spoke in public after his arrest on January 9.
His gaze was mostly fixed at the ground, but Mr Raju briefly glanced at the journalists who forced their way into the court hall. A far cry from just three months ago, when the press was hanging on to his every word as a confident Mr Raju held forth on the future of a company which was believed to be India’s fourth-largest software exporter
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