Maran to be named accused by CBI

The CBI is likely to name Dayanidhi Maran as an accused in the Aircel-Maxis FIR which the probe agency is expected to file in the next few days.

The CBI is likely to name Dayanidhi Maran as an accused in the Aircel-Maxis FIR which the probe agency is expected to file in the next few days.

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Sources said investigators would speak to Dayanidhi Maran and his brother Kalanidhi Maran, the promoter of Sun TV Network, before filing the FIR in the matter.

Entrepreneur C Sivasankaran has alleged that he was threatened by the Maran brothers to sell his stake in Dishnet Wireless Limited, a sister concern of Aircel. Dishnet later merged with Aircel.

According to Sivasankaran’s statement to the CBI, Malaysia-based Maxis group came as a prospective buyer of Aircel at the behest of Maran brothers. Once Sivasankaran exited Aircel, the department of telecom — then under Dayanidhi Maran — cleared the pending applications of the company for telecom licences. Later Astro, part of Maxis group, invested in shares of Sun Direct, a direct to home venture of Sun TV.

According to sources, Sivasankaran has told the CBI sleuths that he had more than one meeting with Kalanidhi Maran with regard to Aircel-Maxis deal. Sivasankaran recalled that after ending one such meeting with Kalanidhi, Dayanidhi also spoke him. Sources clarified that at this stage these are only allegations of Sivasankaran against the Maran brothers. Now the CBI will verify the allegations made by Sivasankaran by examining the Maran brothers.

According to sources, Sivasankaran has given the CBI names of people, involved in the deal, as witnesses to prove the allegations made against the Marans.

The witnesses include bank officials, who brokered the deal and chartered accountants. The probe agency will examine the bank officials on July 13.