2G scam: CBI has not probed Maran role, Bhushan tells SC

Senior advocate Prashant Bhushan today filed an affidavit in the Supreme Court against the Central Bureau of Investingation charge-sheet in the ongoing 2G spectrum allocation case.

Bhushan's affidavit alleges that the investigation agency did not conduct proper a probe into former union telecom minister Dayanidhi Maran's role, having overlooked vital facts.

The CBI had told the apex court on 1 September that Maran, a member of the DMK (which is an ally in the UPA government at the centre) and nephew of party patriarch M Karunanidhi, did not use actual coercion in forcing the sale of telecom provider Aircel to Malaysia-based Maxis group; but nonetheless used his influence to grant Maxis spectrum and operating licences.

Bhushan, an activist lawyer, is an integral part of the Anna Hazare-led movement for a strong anti-corruption watchdog, and was instrumental in the original 'lokpal bill' draft which was subsequently rejected by the government, resulting in unprecedented protests across the country.

The CBI has probed allegations that Maran, telecom minister from May 2004 to May 2007, coerced Aircel founder C Sivasankaran to sell his company to Maxis, owned by a close friend of Maran, and then arranged for a spectrum licence to be granted to Aircel.

The allegation of coercion was made by Sivasankaran himself; but the CBI later decided that there was no actual pressure from Maran. Nonetheless, Maran was prompt to allot spectrum to Maxis which was not granted to Sivasankaran, the CBI has said earlier.