E-Paper
Antrix gave spectrum to Devas meant for strategic use
Out of the 70MHz S-band spectrum Defence PSU Antrix Corporation Limited (ACL) leased out to Devas Multimedia Private Limited (DMPL), 10 MHz was specifically meant for strategic use and not to be made available to private firms, revealed Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI)’s probe in the 2005-deal case.
Out of the 70MHz S-band spectrum Defence PSU Antrix Corporation Limited (ACL) leased out to Devas Multimedia Private Limited (DMPL), 10 MHz was specifically meant for strategic use and not to be made available to private firms, revealed Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI)’s probe in the 2005-deal case.
Antrix and Devas had entered into an agreement in January 2005 and the PSU was to lease S-Band spectrum on satellites GSAT-6 and GSAT-6A for delivery of video, multimedia and information services to mobile receivers,” said an agency source.
The company was allegedly ineligible for the contract, which was cancelled in 2011 by the government.
In its first information report (FIR) lodged on Wednesday, the CBI named a former executive director of ACL, DMPL, two officials of DMPL’s parent American company Forge Advisors LLC, and other unknown officials as accused.
Antrix allegedly concluded the deal first with the company and then sought the necessary approvals from government authorities including the Union cabinet by hiding the fact.
“It was alleged that Devas falsely claimed that it had the technology for the services and wrongfully pocketed a gain of `578 crore from investors based in the US, Mauritius and Singapore. We may send Letters Rogatories to seek case-related details in these countries,” the source said.
