CBI files charge sheet in Aircel-Maxis case; names Dayanidhi Maran, Kalanidhi Maran as accused

NEW DELHI: The CBI has chargesheeted former telecom minister Dayanidhi Maran for abusing his position to “constrict the business environment” forcing mobile operator Aircel to sell stake to Malaysian company Maxis in lieu for two sets of ‘gratification’ totaling rs 742 crore.

The chargesheet also figures the Maxis’ owner T Ananda Krishnan besides Maran’s brother and chairman of Sun Network Kalanithi Maran among others.

According to the chargesheet, the CBI is also looking into “the aspect of irregularity in grant of FIPB approval” in the stake sale. CBI said it was investigating the FIPB approval to Global Communication Services Holdings Ltd and the role of Indian partner, Sindya Securities and Investments Ltd, in holding 26% equity of Aircel.

Maran had approached the Supreme Court on Thursday saying CBI should be restrained from filing the chargesheet as the information from Malaysia was awaited and the investigation was incomplete. But CBI officials told ET that though Malaysia has refused to offer any information about the deal, the information received by the agency from UK and Mauritius was enough to file a chargesheet.

The chargesheet says the investigation has revealed that Dayanidhi Maran as the telecom minister abused his official position to “constrict the business environment” of Aircel Televentures Ltd on “frivolous grounds” with an intent to force its exit from telecom business . A CBI official said C Sivasankaran of Aircel wanted to sell his company's stake to Essar Digilink India Ltd, but despite unanimous recommendation by officers of the Department Of Telecom, Maran kept the file pending for approval of change of equity. Aircel ultimately withdrew the application.

Maran also delayed the licences in respective circles for Aircel, forcing the Aircel owner to sell the company to Maxis. “After the change in ownership, the requests/approvals pending for long before the Department of Telecom were acceded to and undue favour was given to these companies after such transfer for which alleged gratification was paid by Astro All Asia Networks to Sun Direct TV of Kalanithi Maran in the garb of purchase of shares at a premium of Rs 69.57 per share through its subsidiary, South Asia Entertainment Holdings Ltd,” CBI said.