NEW DELHI: The much awaited 2G spectrum scam verdict by a special CBI court on Thursday is likely to have a ripple effect on DMK. For, DMK chief M Karunanidhi’s daughter Kanimozhi and party leader A Raja are among the accused.
The CBI has alleged that Raja, who was telecom minister in UPA-I, acted against the advice of TRAI, Law Ministry, Finance Ministry to illegally favour some accused. As quid pro quo for “illegally issuing licenses to accused companies”, Raja allegedly made Shahid Balwa of DB Realty invest `1,200 crore in Kalaignar TV Pvt Ltd, a company controlled by some members of the DMK’s first family.
Kanimozhi, who had 20 per cent stake in Kalaignar TV at that point in time, is accused of being in regular touch with Raja regarding launch of Kalaignar TV channels. The CBI also accused Raja of “knowingly misrepresented the facts and misled PM Singh” for illegal spectrum allocation. Raja and former telecom secretary Siddharth Behura face a possible life term as they have been booked for criminal breach of trust.
Ruia’s case
The second case involves top industrialist Ravi Ruia, promoter of Essar Group. His nephew Anshuman Ruia, another Essar Group promoter is also facing trial along with Loop Telecom promoters Kiran Khaitan, her husband I P Khaitan and Essar Group Director (Strategy and Planning) Vikash Saraf. The CBI has also chargesheeted three firms — Loop Telecom Ltd, Loop Mobile India Ltd and Essar Tele Holding Ltd (ETHL) in this case. Loop Telecom was allocated 21 licenses in 2008 by Raja.
According to the CBI, Essar Group used Loop Telecom as a front to get licenses despite being ineligible for them. While Vikash Saraf has been accused of cheating, all five have been charged with criminal conspiracy to commit cheating (section 120B read with section 420).
Money laundering
The third 2G spectrum case has been filed by the ED, and involves charges of money laundering against Raja, Kanimozhi, Karunanidhi’s second wife Dayalu Ammal and others.