New Delhi

Opposing the bail pleas of DMK MP Kanimozhi and Kalaignar TV MD Sharad Kumar, the CBI on Friday told the Supreme Court the Rs. 200 crore paid to the TV channel was part of the bribe money in lieu of the 2G spectrum licence given to DB Realty. In its affidavit before the SC, the CBI denied Kanimozhi’s claim that Kalaignar TV had taken loan and that the amount was paid back with interest.

Giving details of the entire transaction, the CBI alleged it was not loans but bribe money. It apprised the SC about a letter written to the Enforcement Directorate (ED) asking it to attach R200 crore, which is now apparently with Shahid Balwa promoted DB Realty group.

Both Kanimozhi and Sharad have 20% stake in Kalaignar TV.

The CBI has supported the high court and trial court orders and said the duo could tamper with evidence and influence witnesses if released. The agency said both were key conspirators in the scam and it would be improper to grant them bail.

The SC will now examine the CBI’s response along with Kanimozhi bail plea on June 20.

Kanimozhi and Sharad Kumar are in jail since May 20 after the special CBI court dismissed their bail pleas that were filed subsequent to the second chargesheet filed in the 2G spectrum scam. Both are accused of entering into a criminal conspiracy to benefit DB Realty group in the case.

The SC had on June 13 asked the CBI to explain where was the R200 crore and sought for status of the case before the trial court. 

Bench constituted

A special Supreme Court bench was constituted on Friday to hear Kanimozhi and Sharad Kumar’s bail plea. The bench headed by Justice GS Singhvi will hear the pleas on Monday.

Justice Singhvi will be assisted by Justice BS Chauhan, whose bench on June 13 issued notice to the CBI on the bail pleas oh Kanimozhi and Kumar.