Former Aircel owner meets CBI officials

Former Aircel owner C Sivasankaran “informally” met CBI officials investigating alleged wrongdoings in the implementation of the telecom policy between 2001 and 2007, sources in the probe agency disclosed on Tuesday. HT reports.

Former Aircel owner C Sivasankaran “informally” met CBI officials investigating alleged wrongdoings in the implementation of the telecom policy between 2001 and 2007, sources in the probe agency disclosed on Tuesday.

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According to sources, Sivasankaran — who was denied telecom licences during Dayanidhi Maran’s tenure as telecom minister — met the investigators “on his own”.

No formal statement was recorded as the matter is still at a preliminary enquiry (PE) stage. The CBI is yet to register a regular case or an FIR in the matter. “After Sivasankaran’s meeting with the investigators, the probe has gathered strength. The CBI will soon register a regular case. Sivasankaran might soon be called for formal questioning then,” a source disclosed to Hindustan Times.

“We are looking into the matter actively. A case can be registered only as per procedure. Summoning will take place after that,” a CBI official said.

The CBI manual states that when a complaint is received or information is available that may indicate serious misconduct on the part of a public servant but is not adequate to justify registration of a regular case under the CrPC, a PE may be registered with the approval of a competent authority.

A PE can be converted into a regular case as soon as sufficient material becomes available to show that prima facie, there has been commission of a cognizable offence.