Aircel-Maxis case: Maran brothers asked to appear before 2G court on March 2

The Maran brothers-Dayanidhi and Kalanithi-have been asked to appear before a special Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) court on March 2, 2015, in connection with their respective roles in the 2G spectrum scam.

The court summoned them and others on Wednesday in the Aircel-Maxis deal.

Special CBI court Judge O.P. Saini, taking cognisance of a chargesheet filed by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) against Dayanidhi Maran, his brother Kalanithi and Malaysian businessman T Ananda Krishnan, among others.

The CBI has said there is sufficient evidence to prosecute the accused, and booked all of them under charges of criminal conspiracy and under provisions of the Prevention of Corruption Act.

The CBI has alleged that Dayanidhi used his influence to help Krishnan to acquire Aircel by allegedly coercing its owner Sivasankaran to part with his stake.

It was alleged by Sivasankaran that Dayanidhi favoured the Maxis Group in the takeover of his company. In return, he further alleged, the company made investments through Astro Network in a company stated to be owned by the Maran family.

Four companies-Chennai-based Sun Direct TV, Britain-based Astro All Asia Networks, Maxis Communications Berhad of Malaysia and the South Asia Entertainment Holdings of Mauritius-have been also named in the chargesheet filed on August 29.