‘`200cr went to Kalaignar TV’
The CBI probe into the 2G spectrum scam has revealed that `200 crores paid by Dynamix Realty to Chennai-based Kalaignar TV was not a “genuine business transaction” but “it was in the nature of illegal gratification” paid in lieu of the spectrum licences given by former telecom minister A. Raja to Shahid Balwa’s Swan Telecom.
The agency in its supplementary chargesheet filed before a special court on Monday said, “The CBI’s investigation has established that accused Raja, Kanimozhi (daughter of Tamil Nadu chief minister M. Karunanidhi) and Sharad Kumar, both stakeholders in Kalaignar TV, accepted and received an illegal gratification of `200 crores in Chennai-based TV channel from other accused Shahid Balwa.”
Earlier, the TV channel had maintained that the payment of `200 crores was meant to be an investment that was returned following differences in evaluation over equity.
The agency, however, in its chargesheet said, “The transfer of `200 crores to Kalaignar TV allegedly by a company linked to Balwa was a ‘quid pro quo’ for Swan Telecom getting UAS licence at a nominal price.” The probe has further revealed that Ms Kanimozhi was in regular touch with Mr Raja regarding launching of Kalaignar TV and other pending works of the TV channel.
“Kanimozhi was also an initial director of the company and resigned only for the reason that her clearance from Union ministry of home affairs was pending and could take time and delay the matter of launching the TV channel. Accused A. Raja was further pursuing the cause of Kaliganr TV,” said the chargesheet.
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