CBI 2G court sets Oct 29 to take view on Aircel-Maxis charges

The special court on the 2G case Monday said it will decide Oct 29 what action it proposes on the charges filed by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) against former telecom minister Dayanidhi and others in the Axis-Marxis deal.

Special CBI Court Judge Judge O.P. Saini set the date to deliver its order on what due consideration it proposes on the charges filed against Maran, his brother Kalanithi Maran and Malaysian businessman T. Ananda Krishnan, among others.

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

The agency alleged that Dayanidhi Maran 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 Maran 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 charges filed Aug 29.