2G probe: CBI quizzes Kanimozhi, Karunanidi's wife

Racing against time to file the charge sheet on March 31 in connection with the 2G spectrum scam, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) today questioned DMK MP Kanimozhi, daughter of Chief Minister M Karunanidhi, and his wife Dayalu Ammal at the DMK headquarters here.

The questioning took place at Anna Arivalayam even as DMK leaders were holding talks with Congress counterparts in another room in the complex to identify 63 seats allotted to them for the April 13 Tamil Nadu assembly polls.

"We are answering everything and whatever is required. We are cooperating with CBI, unlike many political leaders who don't. That really talks for itself of our intention of coming out clean," Kanimozhi told reporters.

The CBI team, which reached here early this morning, also questioned Sharad Kumar, Managing Director of Kalaignar TV channel, in which both Dayalu Ammal and Kanimozhi collectively hold 80% stake, at the channel's office which is housed in the DMK Headquarters, official sources said.

The rest of the stake is held by Sharad Kumar.

The investigators questioned the three regarding their stake in the TV channel which has allegedly received Rs 214 crore from Shahid Balwa promoted company which was a beneficiary of the spectrum allocation made by former Union Minister A Raja, sources said.

Kanimozhi was also questioned about her telephonic conversation with corporate lobbyist Niira Radia which were tapped by Income Tax department, sources said.

Kalaignar TV had recently denied CBI's allegations that there was a connection between scam accused Shahid Balwa-promoted Swan Telecom and the channel, with the agency telling a court that "it has also come to light that there was a transaction of Rs 214 crore from Cineyug Films to Kalaignar TV in 2009".

Kumar had denied receiving pay-offs from DB realty, whose former chief Balwa is in CBI net along with former Union Telecom Minister A Raja.

The probe agency had assured the Supreme court that it will file the first charge sheet about its investigation into the scam that took place when Raja was the Telecom Minister by March 31.

Even as his family members were being questioned by the CBI, Karunanidhi was interviewing partymen aspiring for tickets for the April 13 assembly polls while his sons MK Alagiri and MK Stalin were holding discussions with Union Ministers P Chidambaram and GK Vasan on identifying seats to be given to Congress.