ED set to question Kanimozhi

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The enforcement directorate probing the 2G spectrum scam is now preparing to question MP Kanimozhi, daughter of DMK supremo M. Karunanidhi, and four others in connection with alleged transfer of Rs 200 crore to Chennai-based Kalaignar TV by a company linked to telecom promoter Shahid Balwa on May 12.

The ED is also expected to quizz Ms Kanimozhi about alleged donations made by certain telecom companies that are under the scanner in the 2G probe to Tamil Maiyam, an NGO in which DMK MP is on the board of directors.

The ED recently issued summons to Ms Kanimozhi and four others, named as accused by the CBI in its supplementary chargesheet in the 2G spectrum scam, under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act.

They will appear before the agency on May 12, sources said, and if required all the accused could be called for questioning on May 13 too. The ED has also started collecting all relevant documents related to Kalaignar TV from the CBI, sources added.

The ED has asked all accused, including Ms Kanimozhi, to explain their source of funding before the investigating agency. The CBI supplementary chargesheet, filed on April 25, named Ms Kanimozhi, Kaliagnar TV managing director Sharad Kumar, Swan Telecom promoter Shahid Usman Balwa’s cousin Asif Balwa and Rajeev Aggarwal, both directors of Kusegaon Fruits and Vegetables Pvt Ltd, and Karim Morani of Cineyug Films.

“The ED has already initiated the process of evaluating properties owned by all the 2G accused (named by the CBI in its both chargesheet). After completing the process of evaluation of properties, the agency will begin the process of attachment,” a source said.

The ED is also collecting from the CBI specific details related to alleged transfer of funds by certain telecom companies to Tamil Maiyam. The CBI had carried out searches at the office of Tamil Maiyam on December 15, 2010.

It is believed that some of the kickbacks in the 2G scam were allegedly routed to this NGO.