2G case: CBI may file charge sheet against Essar officials

The CBI may file a charge sheet against some officials of Ruias-led multinational conglomerate Essar in the 2G spectrum case, a move for which Attorney General G E Vahanvati has given his nod, sources said today.

The CBI has claimed that Essar had more than 10% of cross-holdings in Loop Telecom which was against the norms, a charge denied by the two companies.

Sources privy to the development said that the Attorney General (AG) has endorsed the stand of CBI Director A P Singh for filing a charge sheet against some of the officials of the Essar group for allegedly entering into a criminal conspiracy for securing 2G spectrum and also suppressing information.

The final decision in the matter would be taken by the CBI Director after taking into account the opinion of the AG, its own prosecution director and Ministry of Corporate Affairs, which had said that Essar had less than three% of shares in Loop Telecom, they said.

Essar has maintained that it had adhered to the rules and complied with the telecom guidelines.

The sources said CBI, whose stand has been backed by the AG, may file its last charge sheet against some members of Ruia family and other officials of the Essar group for suppressing facts.