The CBI's probe into the alleged role of former Communications and IT Minister, Mr Dayanidhi Maran, in the Aircel deal “has been less than honest”, an NGO — the Centre for Public Interest Litigation — has claimed.
The CPIL also alleged that “Datacom (owned by the Dhoots of Videocon) is one of the major beneficiaries of the 2G-spectrum scam” but the CBI has so far apparently ignored this.
The CBI's decision to leave out Datacom from the chargesheets has weakened the prosecution case, the CPIL said.
The CPIL, which is a petitioner in the 2G spectrum allocation case, has filed an affidavit in this regard before the Supreme Court.
The CPIL is represented by advocate Mr Prashant Bhushan. The apex court is likely to hear the matter on September 8.
The allegation against Mr Maran is that during his tenure as Communications and IT Minister, he had forced Aircel's promoter (Mr C. Sivasankaran) to sell the firm to a Malaysian company (Maxis Group, owned by Mr T. Ananda Krishnan) in March 2006.
“Till date the CBI has not even registered an FIR and has not questioned Mr Maran,” the CPIL alleged.
Citing recent news reports, the CPIL said, “The CBI has apparently stated that ‘coercion' of Aircel's earlier owner Mr Sivasankaran (by Mr Maran) could not be established and the allegations of quid pro quo are still being investigated.”
The CPIL had earlier said Aircel got the licences in December 2006, and alleged that within three months of this, Mr Maran's family-owned business (Sun Direct) received substantial investment (of Rs 599.01 crore) from Maxis Group (Aircel).
“Besides, a Maxis Group company (Astro) also made an investment of Rs 111.28 crore in South Asia FM Ltd, owned by the Maran Group. These transactions show a clear case of quid pro quo for getting the UAS licences by Maxis Group,” the CPIL alleged.
Mr Sivasankaran had earlier alleged that he was forced by Mr Maran to sell Aircel to Maxis and also reportedly testified before the CBI in this regard.
However, Mr Maran had repeatedly denied all charges.