CBI will not file any new case in spectrum scam

The CBI has closed its larger preliminary enquiry (PE) into the irregularities in implementation of the telecom policy between 2001 and 2007.

The CBI will not register any fresh case in the highly-publicised 2G spectrum scam. The agency has closed its larger preliminary enquiry (PE) into the irregularities in implementation of the telecom policy between 2001 and 2007.

HT Image

Under this enquiry, the CBI registered two FIRs — first against former telecom minister Dayanidhi Maran in connection with the Aircel-Maxis deal and the second one pertains to alleged conspiracy in awarding additional spectrum in 2002 during Pramod Mahajan’s tenure as telecom minister.

“We investigated the tenure of Arun Shourie (NDA government) as well. We have not found any criminality during the implementation of telecom policy during his tenure. Few non-criminal irregularities have come to light. The CBI has written to the department of telecommunication (DoT) about them. The larger probe into the implementation of telecom policy between 2001 and 2007 now stands closed,” revealed a CBI official.

The CBI first began probe into the scam by registering an FIR on October 21, 2009. The FIR was lodged in connection with the allotment of Unified Access Service licences on January 10, 2008 and subsequent allocation of the spectrum. The agency filed three chargesheets under the FIR. The accused included former telecom minister A Raja, former telecom secretary Sidharth Behura and DMK’s Rajya Sabha member Kanimozhi. A special CBI court is hearing their cases.

Besides, the FIR pertaining to the January 10, 2008 allotments, the agency probed alleged irregularities in the implementation of telecom policy between 2001 and 2007.

In the Aircel-Maxis deal case, the probe is still on whereas the probe into award of extra spectrum during Mahajan’s tenure has almost concluded. The CBI plans to file chargesheet in the case in the next few weeks.