Two firms accused in the controversial Aircel-Maxis deal related money laundering case had received Rs.742.58 crore as “proceeds of crime” from some Mauritius-based firms, the Enforcement Directorate told the Special Court dealing with the 2G spectrum scam case here on Saturday.
The two firms are Sun Direct TV Private Limited and South Asia FM Limited, which are allegedly controlled by co-accused Kalanithi Maran.
ED special prosecutor N.K. Matta claimed before Special Judge O.P. Saini that while Sun Direct had received Rs.549.03 crore, South Asia FM obtained Rs.193.55 crore through various Mauritius-based entities.
Mr. Matta pointed out that the Central Bureau of Investigation had alleged in its charge-sheet in the Aircel-Maxis deal case that bribe money was received. The ED’s case relates to the money trail, he said.
The court observed that these were mere allegations and asked about evidence to support the ED’s case. The special prosecutor read out the statements of the prosecution witnesses recorded during the investigation and also relevant documents pertaining to the money transactions.
After hearing the submissions, the court said since it was a complicated case, it would hear arguments on the next date of hearing before passing any order on taking cognisance on the ED’s charge-sheet. The court posted the case for further hearing on February 20.
ED has chargesheeted former Telecom Minister Dayanidhi Maran, his brother Kalanithi Maran, his wife Kavery Kalanithi, K. Shanmugam, Managing Director of South Asia FM, and the two firms as accused in the case filed under the provisions of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act, 2002.
Two firms are Sun Direct TV and South Asia FM — both controlled by Kalanithi Maran
