CBI to ask ED to attach properties of DB group

In an attempt to freeze the bribe money which changed hands in 2G spectrum scam, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) is all set to write to the Enforcement Directorate (ED) to attach properties worth over Rs 200 crore of DB group under the stringent Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA).

The move is an effort to freeze the assets equivalent to the bribe money which was paid to Kalaignar TV by Shahid Balwa promoted DB group through a "circuitous" route, agency sources said.

The agency itself cannot attach the properties as according to the provisions of the PMLA, it is the ED which can take such an action, they said.

In its chargesheet the CBI has alleged that Dynamix realty, a partnership firm of DB group of companies which also ran Swan Telecom, paid Rs 200 crore as illegal gratification to Kalaignar TV, which is also controlled by the affiliates of DMK -- Kanimozhi and Sharad Kumar -- to which accused former Telecom Minister A Raja also belonged.

It alleged that there were several circumstances which "conclusively" established that the amount paid by Dynamix Realty to Kalaignar TV was not a genuine business transction but bribe paid in lieu of the telcom licences, valuable spectrum and other undue benefit given to Swan Telecom -- one of the beneficiaries of spectrum allocation.

The money was allegedly routed through M/S Kusegaon Fruits and Vegetables and Karim Morani promoted Cineyug Films.

Once the CBI started its probe in the scam, the money was routed back to Dynamix Realty.

The money was brought back as an alleged investment in the property business. The agency's move to attach properties is an attempt to recover the alleged Rs 200 crore bribe money paid to Kalaignar TV, agency sources said.