DMK president M. Karunanidhi’s wife Dayalu Ammal’s statement in the 2G spectrum case was recorded at her residence here on Monday by the Chief Metropolitan Magistrate (CMM).
The 84-year-old Ms. Dayalu Ammal was cited as a prosecution witness by the CBI. After the Supreme Court declined to grant her exemption from appearing before the trial court, the CBI Special Court, New Delhi, appointed the CMM as a commissioner to record her statement.
CMM M. Gopalan, along with court staff, came to her house for recording the deposition. DMK MP Kanimozhi; the former Managing Director of Kalaignar TV, Sharad Kumar; Karim Morani, Asif Balwa and Rajiv Agarwal, all accused in the case, came along with their counsel to the house.
An informed source said, the CMM asked Ms. Dayalu Ammal if she could recognise Mr. Sharad Kumar. She reportedly replied in the negative. When asked the same question about Ms. Kanimozhi, who is the daughter of Ms. Rajathi Ammal, Ms. Dayalu Ammal said: “en ponnu” [my girl]. Asked what she knew about 2G, she said she “had not been there,” assuming 2G to be a place.
The former Union Minister, Dayanidhi Maran, visited the house when the proceedings were on. Party lawyers also descended on the scene. Counsel for the accused cross-examined Ms. Dayalu Ammal. The proceedings lasted till 3 p.m.
Later, counsel for Mr. Sharad Kumar, Sushil Kumar, said, “Now the matter will go to the Special Court, New Delhi, for further proceedings.”
Special Public Prosecutor for the CBI K.K. Goel, said, “The court is seized of the matter. Hence I cannot comment on the proceedings. The evidence of Ms. Dayalu Ammal was recorded by the Chief Metropolitan Magistrate. She is very cooperative.”