Dayalu Ammal’s role in CBI focus

The CBI is examining the role Dayalu Ammal, wife of DMK chief M Karunanidhi, played in the affairs of Kalaignar TV to file a chargesheet against her in the 2G scam. The agency has to file its supplementary chargesheet by April 25.

The CBI is examining the role Dayalu Ammal, wife of DMK chief M Karunanidhi, played in the affairs of Kalaignar TV to file a chargesheet against her in the 2G scam. The agency has to file its supplementary chargesheet by April 25.

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CBI has alleged Kalaignar TV received up to Rs200 crore from Shahid Usman Balwa’s company DB Realty via two intermediary companies — Kusegaon Fruits & Vegetables (now Kusegaon Realty) and Cineyug.

Dayalu Ammal holds 60% stake in Kalaignar TV. Karunanidhi’s daughter M Kanimozhi, holds 20% stake. Rest is held by its managing director Sharad Kumar. The channel was launched after the fallout between the Karunanidhi family and the Maran brothers — Kalanidhi and Dayanidhi. A key witness in the 2G scam has told investigators Kanimozhi was “brain” behind Kalaignar TV.

Investigators do not doubt the role played by Kanimozhi and Sharad Kumar in the venture. But questions remain about Dayalu Ammal. Sources added Balwa had originally planned to invest in Green House Promoters, a company floated by Raja’s aide AM Sadique Batcha, who died under mysterious circumstances. Raja’s wife was a director in Green House Promoters. But this route was dropped in favour of Kalaignar TV route. Balwa has claimed he invested in Kalaignar TV but later on the deal fell through and the money was returned. The CBI is not buying this as Balwa benefited in 2G licences allotment.