The Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) examining the 2G spectrum scam has sought specific details related to spectrum allocation during the tenure of former telecom minister Dayanidhi Maran from the department of telecommunications (DoT). The CBI, which is also probing alleged violations regarding spectrum allocation
between 2001 and 2007, has begun probing allegations that the DoT allegedly granted 21 telecom licences and spectrum to private telecom firm Aircel in just two years (from 2004 to 2006).
The JPC chief, Mr. P.C. Chako, on Friday said the parliamentary committee will look into the allegations against Mr Maran.
He said, “The JPC will look into it”.
As far as CBI probe into alleged violations regarding spectrum allocation between 2001 and 2007, including Mr Maran’s tenure is concerned, sources said, “There are allegations that Aircel had only two licences till 2004. In 2004, the company allegedly got telecom licences and Spectrum in seven more circles. In December 2006, Aircel was further issued telecom licences in 14 more circles by the DoT allegedly during the tenure of Maran.”
“The CBI has requested DoT to provide all documents submitted by the Aircel for obtaining telecom licences as well as allocation of the spectrum during the tenure of Maran at the earliest”, sources said. The agency is also collecting documents from the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) in this regard, sources said, adding the CBI is also trying to ascertain as to whether the “first-come-first-serve basis” provision was followed.
The CBI is also taking assistance of the Enforcement Directorate (ED) and the Income Tax department in this regard.
The ED as well IT officials have also started collecting relevant documents related to the alleged Aircel-Maxis Sun TV deal from the authorities concerned. The CBI is already planning to record the statement of Shiva group chairman C. Sivasankaran in this regard, sources said adding Mr Sivasankaran is expected to depose before the agency next week. Mr Sivasankaran may turn witness in the case, sources added. “If required, the CBI officials may take the assistance of Union ministry of corporate affairs also in this regard”, sources said.