2G scam: Court takes cognizance of charge sheet against Essar, Loop

NEW DELHI: Essar group promoters Anshuman and Ravi Ruia alongwith five others were today issued summons by a Delhi court which took cognizance of CBI's charge sheet arising out of investigation in the 2G scam case.

Special Judge O P Saini also issued summons to Loop Telecom promoters Kiran Khaitan, her husband I P Khaitan and Essar Group director (Strategy and Planning) Vikas Saraf and three companies -- Loop Telecom Pvt Ltd, Loop Mobile India Ltd and Essar Tele Holding -- named as accused in the third charge sheet.

They have been asked to appear before the court on January 27, 2012.

The CBI in its charge sheet filed on December 12 has accused the Essar and Loop promoters of conspiring to cheat the Department of Telecommunication (DoT) but has not found evidence to prosecute theme under the Prevention of Corruption Act.

It said "investigation has not revealed evidence to prove mala-fide on the part of public servants in the matter."

Essar Group, in a statement, had denied any involvement in the 2G scam and said it has complied with in totality with all conditions of telecom licences. It claimed that the CBI has confirmed that Essar was not involved in the 2G scam.

The company claimed that the CBI has confirmed that Essar was not involved in the 2G scam.

The CBI has said the accused persons and companies created a "complex corporate veil" to cheat DoT by concealing that Essar, an existing telecom operator having substantial shares in Vodafone (then Hutch), was having more than 10 per cent stake in Loop Telecom.