The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) on Friday questioned Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M Karunanidhi’s wife Dayalu Ammal and his daughter and Rajya Sabha member, M Kanimozhi, in connection with 2G spectrum scam.
The interrogation of members from the first family of the state came in the backdrop of the alleged siphoning of funds linked to the 2G spectrum scam to Kalaignar TV, in which Dayalu Ammal and Kanimozhi hold 60 and 20 per cent stake, respectively.
A team of five officials from CBI summoned both of them along with top management officials, including the channel’s managing director, Sharad Kumar, who holds the remaining 20 per cent stake in the channel. One of the directors, Amrutham, was also summoned at Kalaignar TV’s office in Chennai this morning.
The Tamil channel, controlled by ruling Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam’s (DMK) supremo Karaunanidhi’s family, was reportedly the recipient of a Rs 214 crore fund from Cineyug Communications, allegedly linked to the 2G spectrum allocation to Swan Telecom.
Swan Telecom, whose promoter, Shahid Balwa, has been arrested for bribery, cheating and conspiracy, is allegedly one of the major beneficiaries of the telecom scam. He allegedly repaid the former Union telecom minister and DMK’s propaganda secretary, A Raja, through a Rs 214-crore cheque routed through other companies owned by Balwa.
According to reports, the cheque was eventually deposited with Kalaignar TV. However, Kanimozhi and the management of the channel have maintained they have repaid the loan with interest.
Meanwhile, Kanimozhi has told reporters, “We have already shared and given statements. They (CBI) just wanted me to substantiate Sharad Kumar’s statement. We are answering everything and we are cooperating, unlike other political leaders. We have not put pressure on anyone, the Supreme Court is looking after the case. No documents were taken.”