In a CBI court a prosecution witness told that DMK MP Kanimozhi, accused in the 2G spectrum allocation scam case, had “no role at all” in the Rs 200 crore transactions between Kalaignar TV (P) Ltd and Cineyug Films (P) Ltd.
CBI witness G Rajendran, general manager (finance) of Kalaignar TV, told special CBI judge OP Saini that the DMK MP had no role in the investment matters between Kalaignar TV and Cineyug Films, whose director Karim Morani is also facing trial in the case.
On being cross-examined by senior advocate Sushil Kumar, who appeared for Kalaignar TV MD Sharad Kumar, Rajendran said DMK chief Karunanidhi’s wife Dayalu Ammal was fully aware of the decision to raise Rs 200 crore from Cineyug Films and Sharad had “not acted independently on his own” as all his actions were authorized and approved by Dayalu Ammal. He also told the court that Rs 200 crore transaction between the two companies was “genuine” and no “sham document” was executed in this regard.
Rajendran told the court that Kalaignar TV had applied for the requisite licence from the ministry of information and broadcasting more than a month after Kanimozhi’s resignation from directorship of the channel on June 20, 2007. “It is correct that application for licence to ministry of I&B was made for the first time on July 30, 2007, more than a month after resignation of Kanimozhi Karunanidhi,” he said.
Rajendran told the court that Kalaignar TV received Rs 200 crore from Cineyug Films and the money was received through banking channels in different tranches. He also said that on receipt of Rs 200 crore, all the money was put into the business of Kalaignar TV.
“Starting with the month of December 2010, the money was returned along with interest to Cineyug Films in different tranches. The money was returned as Cineyug Films insisted on its return. Cineyug Films asked for the return of the money, as it had approached Kalaignar TV for equity participation and that did not happen,” Rajendran said, adding that the money started to come from Cineyug Films in December 2008 and continued till August 2009.
The statement assumes significance as it contradicts the CBI theory according to which Kanimozhi was taking interest in the day-to-day affairs of the TV channel in which she owned 20% shares.
The agency had chargesheeted Kanimozhi alleging that Rs 200 crore “illegal gratification” was routed from Dynamix Realty to Kalaignar TV through Kusegaon Fruits and Vegetables Pvt Ltd and Cineyug Films.
According to the CBI, Dayalu Ammal, his daughter Kanimozhi and co-accused Sharad Kumar have 60%, 20% and 20% shares of the TV channel respectively.
Kanimozhi, along with others, including former telecom minister A Raja, is facing trial in the case for various offences punishable under the IPC and under the Prevention of Corruption Act.
