Let probe agencies do their job: PM
With the controversial Aircel-Maxis deal involving Union textiles minister Dayanidhi Maran getting murkier with each passing day, Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh on Monday clarified that the matter was being probed by law enforcement agencies and that they should have the freedom to work without fear or favour.
Dr Singh, while talking to reporters on the sidelines of a function, said, “These matters are being looked into by law-enforcement agencies. They should be allowed to work without fear or favour.” Sources however disclosed that the PMO is also looking into the contentious deal. There are indications that Maran could possibly be dropped during the Cabinet reshuffle, expected mid June.
Meanwhile, the Central Bureau of Investigations (CBI), probing alleged violations regarding spectrum allocation between 2001 and 2007, on Monday questioned former Aircel chief C. Sivasankaran at the agency headquarters.
According to sources, Mr Sivasankaran alleged that he was forced by the department of telecommunications (DoT) to sell his stake in Aircel to Maxis in 2006. The CBI officials quizzed him for nearly six hours at the agency headquarters. The agency officials also recorded his statement.
Sources further said, “Mr Sivasankaran was also quizzed over alleged Aircel-Maxis Sun TV deal. The agency is looking into various aspects of takeover of Aircel by the Malaysia-based company. The agency is also taking the assistance of the Enforcement Directorate (ED) in this regard”.
Mr Sivasankaran alleged his applications for licences were rejected when Dayanidhi Maran was the telecom minister in 2006, forcing him to sell his stake to Maxis. He also alleged that Maxis owner is close to Maran’s brother Kalanidhi, who owns Sun TV.
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