PM to face probe into telecoms scam

India's Prime Minister yesterday offered to be questioned by a parliamentary committee to prove his innocence in a telecoms scandal that has shaken the government and reportedly cost the country billions.

The opposition-controlled Public Account Committee is examining a report by India's auditor general that says the government lost as much as $36bn (£23.2bn) in potential revenue during its 2008 sale of second generation, or 2G, mobile phone licences.

"I sincerely believe that, like Caesar's wife, the Prime Minister should be above suspicion. I am prepared to appear before the committee, even though there is no precedent to that effect," PM Manmohan Singh told a meeting of his governing Congress party.

The issue overshadowed the two-day party conclave, which was due to end last night on the outskirts of Delhi.