The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) probe into the spectrum allocation since 2001 has revealed that despite “negative” recommendations of the Joint Testing Report (JTR) of the DoT, additional spectrum was allocated to the accused telecom companies during the tenure of former communications minister, the late Pramod Mahajan.
According to sources the then public servants of the DoT did not even wait for JTR and took the decision to allocate additional spectrum to the accused companies on Jan. 31, 2002. “The JTR came next day on February 1, 2002. Even after its negative recommendation for allocating any spectrum immediately, the JTR was not considered by the accused public servants,” sources said.
“Probe by the CBI has established that some former officials of the DoT allegedly entered into a criminal conspiracy with three beneficiary private companies causing a loss of `508 crores approximately during the tenure of late Mahajan,” sources said.
The agency, which is now preparing to file chargesheet in the case, has said in its probe report: “Pramod Mahajan wanted to take decision on Jan. 31, 2002 itself. Former officials of the DoT entered into a criminal conspiracy with three beneficiary private companies causing a loss of `508 crores approximately during Mahajan’s tenure”. This proposal had neither the financial concurrence of member finance nor was that placed before the telecom commission, said the report. Sources further said Mahajan will not be named as an accused in the case as he is not alive.
The FIR filed on November 17, 2011 said, “Even, other important officials of the DoT did not get an opportunity to see the file related to allocation of additional spectrum. The then wireless adviser of the DoT was bypassed for the reason that he was retiring on the same day”.