NEW DELHI: The Enforcement Directorate (ED) on Friday opposed the bail applications of former telecom minister A Raja, DMK MP Kanimozhi and others, submitting that there exists a strong case against the accused which, in all probability, will result in conviction.
“With supporting documentary and material evidence, there exists a prima facie case against the accused, which, in all probability, will result in conviction,” ED counsel told CBI special Judge O P Saini.
Counsel Navin Kumar Matta, appearing for ED said from the evidence, there is sufficient cause to believe that all the accused were guilty of the offences with which they were charged.
Raja, Kanimozhi, DMK chief M Karunanidhi’s wife Dayalu Ammal, Swan Telecom Pvt Ltd (STPL) promoters Shahid Usman Balwa and Vinod Goenka, Kusegaon Fruits and Vegetables Pvt. Ltd. (KFVPL) directors Asif Balwa and Rajiv Agarwal, Bollywood producer Karim Morani, Kalaignar TV director Sharad Kumar and P Amirthan were chargesheeted by ED on May 2 under various sections dealing with the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA).
ED said that the case involved commission of grave economic offences by the accused causing enormous loss to the public exchequer and laundering the proceeds of crime, which too are substantial, through a series of layering transactions solely with a view to lending a colour of legitimacy.
He argued that Raja, when minister, subverted the telecom policy to favour certain pre-identified people and requested the court that the bail application filed by the accused be rejected.
Meanwhile, Dayalu Ammal also moved her bail application and sought exemption from personal appearance on medical grounds, which was allowed.
“The investigation revealed that an amount of `200 crore was paid by promoters of STPL, using their group entity Dynamix Realty, to KTV, through KFVPL and CFPL (Cineyug Films) in the garb of legitimate financial transaction, that is as loan or share application money,” the ED said in the chargesheet.
It said the payment was illegal gratification for and on behalf of Raja and his associates in lieu of illegal favours given to the STPL for grant of UAS licence.
The court posted the matter for June 3 for further hearing on bail application and to commence arguments on charges in the case.