Active Stocks
Thu Mar 28 2024 15:59:33
  1. Tata Steel share price
  2. 155.90 2.00%
  1. ICICI Bank share price
  2. 1,095.75 1.08%
  1. HDFC Bank share price
  2. 1,448.20 0.52%
  1. ITC share price
  2. 428.55 0.13%
  1. Power Grid Corporation Of India share price
  2. 277.05 2.21%
Business News/ Politics / News/  2G scam | CBI opposes Kanimozhi’s bail plea in SC
BackBack

2G scam | CBI opposes Kanimozhi’s bail plea in SC

2G scam | CBI opposes Kanimozhi’s bail plea in SC

Premium


New Delhi: The CBI on Friday opposed in the Supreme Court the bail plea of DMK MP Kanimozhi and co-accused Kalaignar TV MD Sharad Kumar in the 2G case on the ground that if released, they could tamper with evidence and influence witnesses.

In an affidavit filed before the apex court, the investigating agency contended that Kanimozhi and Kumar were key conspirators and Rs200 crore transferred to the Kalaignar TV was part of the “bribe" amount and not a loan as claimed by the accused.

The CBI submitted that the special CBI court and later the Delhi high court had carefully evaluated various material evidence and other factors to decline bail to them.

The apex court had on 13 June asked the CBI to explain where the Rs200 crore, allegedly diverted to DMK-owned Kalaignar TV in 2G scam, has gone and also to file a response on their bail pleas in a week’s time.

A bench of justices B. S. Chauhan and Swatanter Kumar, while terming “corruption as the worst form of human rights violation," had asked CBI to come out with a status report on the loss to the state exchequer due to the award of 13 licences to one of the telecom operators and trial proceedings in the CBI special court.

Kanimozhi and Kumar had moved the apex court seeking bail on 10 June challenging the Delhi high court verdict rejecting their bail on the ground that they have strong political connections and the possibility of them influencing witnesses cannot be ruled out.

Named as accused in the second charge sheet for allegedly taking a bribe of Rs200 crore, the two were arrested on 20 May after the special court dismissed their bail pleas in the case.

Both Kanimozhi and Kumar have 20% stake each in Kalaignar TV Pvt Ltd which allegedly received Rs200 crore through a “circuitous" route from Shahid Balwa promoted DB Realty.

DMK chief’s wife Dayalu Ammal, who has been left out of the list of accused, owns the remaining 60% shares in the channel.

Kanimozhi and Kumar had moved the High Court on 23 May challenging the trial court’s order which had rejected their bail pleas, saying the offence attributed to them was grave and the possibility of influencing the witnesses cannot be ruled out.

CBI Special Judge O. P. Saini had on 20 May rejected the bail pleas of Kanimozhi and Kumar and ordered their “forthwith" arrest. They are currently lodged in Tihar Jail.

Kanimozhi, who sought bail in the special court on the ground of being a woman, had approached the High Court for relief citing the need to look after her school-going child who is devoid of her care while his father is working abroad.

Unlock a world of Benefits! From insightful newsletters to real-time stock tracking, breaking news and a personalized newsfeed – it's all here, just a click away! Login Now!

Catch all the Politics News and Updates on Live Mint. Download The Mint News App to get Daily Market Updates & Live Business News.
More Less
Published: 17 Jun 2011, 05:05 PM IST
Next Story footLogo
Recommended For You
Switch to the Mint app for fast and personalized news - Get App