The CBI, investigating the 2G Spectrum scam, has started probing the alleged role of the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) officials in allowing merger of certain telecom companies after they got spectrum licences separately.
This had resulted in a situation where one company, post-merger, ultimately became the licence holder for the same circles to which licences were granted separately. Agency believes such moves were in violation of the norms related to merger and acquisitions.
According to sources, the agency has decided to call the top representatives of two telecom companies — Idea Cellular and Spice — for questioning in this regard.
The agency officials also collected relevant documents from the DoT on Thursday, sources added.
As per rules, no company, having got the licence, could enter into an agreement for merger before three years from the effective date of licence.
However, as per sources, Idea Cellular in 2008 reportedly took 41.09 per cent stake in Spice resulting in an overlapping situation in which both the companies allegedly held licences in six circles.
The agency will soon call top representatives of both the companies to explain the move, sources said, adding that the documents in this regard were being scrutinised.
Besides, the agency on Thursday called seven top executives of major companies, including the Tata group, for questioning in connection with its probe in the 2G spectrum scam.