The CBI probe into the 2G spectrum scam has clearly indicated that certain officials of the DoT had leaked information selectively to almost all the telecom companies, which were issued “Letter of Intent” (LoI) for the allotment of Unified Access Service (UAS) licences. The probe has revealed that the information helped them be ready with cheques of at least `1,600 crores while submitting their documents on January 10, 2008, when the LoIs were issued. It is to be noted that a clause had been inserted in the LoIs that the licences would be issued to those companies who managed to deposit fee on a first-come-first-serve basis.
If required, the agency may file another case, related to criminality aspect, against certain officials of the Department of Telecommunications (DoT), as well as private companies, in this regard, sources said. The agency, which has questioned representatives of almost all the 10 telecom companies, is also planning to prepare a separate list of ineligible companies, which were granted licences during former telecom minister A. Raja’s regime, sources added.
According to sources, probe by the agency has revealed that certain officials of the DoT selectively leaked the information to some of the applicants regarding the date of issuance of LoI (January 10, 2008) as well as the amount of the deposit fees. Almost all the telecom companies, who were issued LoIs, had prior information about the deposit fees.
This was one of the reason why they managed to deposit the fees on time, sources said, adding that the agency has collected sufficient evidence against certain DoT officials in this regard.