CBI failed to prove Rs 200 cr was bribe for 2G licenses:Morani

NEW DELHI: Jailed Bollywood producer Karim Morani today claimed innocence in a Delhi court saying CBI has failed to establish that the alleged trail of Rs 200 crore to DMK-run Kalaignar TV through his firm Cineyug was a bribe in lieu of grant of 2G licence.

"Neither I am a habitual offender nor I had any connection with telecom business. The presumption cannot form a basis for his (Morani) prosecution. It cannot be the case that Rs 200 crore was paid as quid pro quo for the grant of UAS (2G) licences," senior advocate Siddhartha Luthra said.

Morani, Director of Cineyug Films Pvt Ltd, is accused of "intentionally aiding and facilitating" the transfer of Rs 200 crore from Shahid Usman Balwa-promoted D B Group, an alleged beneficiary of the scam, as bribe to Kalaignar TV.

Two stake-holders of Kalaignar TV, Kanimozhi, DMK MP and daughter of party supremo M Karunanidhi and Sharad Kumar, the CEO of the channel, are also accused in the case for allegedly receiving the bribe which was returned after former Telecom Minister A Raja was first quizzed in the case.

Morani, who is booked under various provisions of the IPC and the Prevention of Corruption Act dealing with abatement, conspiracy and bribery, sought discharge from the case on the ground that "at best" he could be charged for financial irregularity.