The CBI, which is probing irregularities in the award of spectrum licenses since 2001, is all set to file chargesheet against two former officials of the department of telecommunications (DoT) for their alleged role in awarding additional spectrum licences during the tenure of former telecom minister late Pramod Mahajan. The chargesheet is expected to be filed by the end of this month.
Sources in the CBI said, “The agency has completed its probe into alleged irregularities committed in awarding additional spectrum licences during late Pramod Mahajan’s tenure. The agency has also recorded statements of then telecom secretary Shyamal Ghosh and two former senior officials of the DoT, including J.R. Gupta (former deputy director general — value added services — DoT)”. The agency is now preparing to file chargesheet by the end of this month, they added.
The CBI had registered total two FIRs in connection with its probe related to alleged criminal aspects in the allotment of spectrum licences since 2001. “While one FIR was registered against former telecom minister Dayanidhi Maran and his brother Kalanidhi over alleged irregularities in Aircel-Maxis deal, another case was filed against Shyamal Ghosh and three private cellular companies for irregularities in awarding additional spectrum during late Pramod Mahajan’s tenure,” sources said.
“Statements of top officials of the private cellular companies have also been recorded by the CBI. Probe by the CBI has established that some former officials of the DoT entered into a criminal conspiracy with three beneficiary private companies causing a loss of `508 crores approximately during the period 2001-2007,” sources said.
As far as agency probe into Aircel-Maxis deal is concerned, sources said, the CBI is planning to record the statement of Mr Dayanidhi Maran by the end of this month.