So, who will appear as witnesses in the trial of Galleon founder Raj Rajaratnam, which got underway this week? The biggest news was that Rajaratnam himself was willing to take the stand in his own defense. That's not always a good idea, especially when one is as stubborn and as recalcitrant as the fallen hedge fund honcho seems to be.

Perceptions of hubris might not serve him well. He may well lose his cool on cross-examination. His lawyers might not let him on the stand, depending on how the trial proceeds. It would certainly be a signature moment, perhaps a sign that the defense feels it needs to do something grand to win. Some might even see it as a Hail Mary.

But we'll see other interesting witnesses before that decision is made. McKinsey executive Anil Kumar is scheduled to be the first prosecution witness apparently. He'll be followed be a string of others, possibly including Goldman Sachs CEO Lloyd Blankfein.

The defense also has some huge decisions to make. Another ex-McKinsey exec, Raj Gupta, may be called as a defense witness, the New York Times reports. That would be another dramatic moment and certainly cause a media circus, especially in India. Recall that he stands accused of insider trading; he says the charges are unfounded and he has never tipped off his friend Rajaratnam.

There will be lots of bit players along the way. The trail promises to be gripping.

For more:
- here's the article

Related Articles:
Lloyd Blankfein may be a witness in Rajaratnam trial
The trial of Raj Rajaratnam--finally
Danielle Chiesi to plead guilty
Goldman Sachs, Morgan Stanley and Raj Rajaratnam