Minister's instructions delayed DWL licences: Ex-telecom secy

Former telecom secretary and Trai chairman Nripendra Misra has told the CBI that Dayanidhi Maran gave him instructions to seek clarification from Dishnet Wireless Ltd (DWL) that delayed granting telecom licences to it, sources disclosed to HT.

Former telecom secretary and Trai chairman Nripendra Misra has told the CBI that Dayanidhi Maran gave him instructions to seek clarification from Dishnet Wireless Ltd (DWL) that delayed granting telecom licences to it, sources disclosed to HT.

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The CBI examined him to confirm allegations of

C Sivasankaran, the original promoter of Aircel and DWL, against Maran. Sivasankaran has alleged that the minister had forced him to sell Aircel and DWL to Malaysia-based Maxis.

Though Maran has denied the charge, sources said the probe agency will soon file an FIR in the case. The CBI has mentioned the charges levelled by Sivasankaran in its status report submitted in the Supreme Court on Wednesday.

The CBI is probing the Aircel deal in connection with its preliminary enquiry into the allegations of wrong-doing in the implementation of telecom policy between 2001 and 2007.

When contacted, Misra confirmed to HT that he was examined in the matter. However, he denied making any comments on Maran. “The CBI just called me to verify my signatures on various notes.”