Verdict in 2G Spectrum Case on 21 December

The verdict in the 2G spectrum allocation case will be pronounced on 21 December at Delhi’s Patiala House.

The case is against former telecom minister A Raja, DMK Rajya Sabha member Kanimozhi and few others.

The court was hearing two separate cases related to 2G spectrum cases. One is being probed by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) and the other by the Enforcement Directorate (ED).

On 26 April, the court had concluded final arguments in the case which is described ‘second in magnitude to the Watergate Scandal’ by TIME magazine.

According to the CBI, Raja was biased in allocating 2G mobile air waves and operating licences to telecom firms, causing a huge loss to the state exchequer.

The CBI chargesheet said Rs 200 crore was transferred from DB Group to Kalaignar TV, which were kickbacks in lieu of allocation of 2G spectrum to Swan Telecom Pvt Ltd.

The Enforcement Directorate has filed a separate case related to money laundering alleging that a conspiracy was hatched by Raja, Kanimozhi and DMK supremo M Karunanidhi's wife Dayalu Ammal besides others, and that the Rs 200 crore were the proceeds of crime.

10 individuals and nine companies were named in the final report, who have been chargesheeted by the ED under the provisions of Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA).

The Reliance ADA Group, accused of funding one of the main beneficiaries Swan Telecom Pvt Ltd (STPL), is also named in the CBI chargesheet. Top journalists and politicians had come under the radar after tapes of telephonic conversation between them and corporate lobbyist Niira Radia were made public.

Some of the other key accused are Siddharth Behura, Former Telecom Secretary, RK Chandolia, Raja’s erstwhile private secretary, Asif Balwa and Rajeev Agarwal, Directors of Kusegaon Fruits and Vegetables and Sharad Kumar, Kalaignar TV Director

All accused, including Raja, are out on bail.

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