The CBI has recently questioned the former Telecom Minister Dayanidhi Maran in connection with a case against him, his brother Kalanithi Maran and Malaysian business tycoon and head of Maxis Communications T. Ananda Krishnan of allegedly coercing the former owner of Aircel Televentures C. Sivasankaran into selling his equity in Aircel.
Mr. Dayanidhi Maran allegedly denied Mr. Sivasankaran’s firm seven pending 2G spectrum licences in various circles, and the Point of Interconnection facility from the state-owned BSNL.
The CBI alleged that an illegal gratification of Rs. 549.96 crore accrued to the Maran brothers from the purchase of Sun Direct TV shares by Astro All Asia Networks Plc, a related company of Maxis Communications, allegedly at a “highly inflated” rate.
According to informed sources, Mr. Maran was questioned last week. His statement has already been recorded. The agency earlier quizzed Mr. Maran after having registered a Preliminary Enquiry into the matter. Subsequently, the enquiry was converted into a case and searches were conducted for gathering evidence in connection with the Aircel-Maxis deal.
