Thaindian News

New Delhi, Oct 22 (IANS) A special court here Saturday said the conspiracy to allocate 2G spectrum to ineligible telecom operators began after A. Raja became communications minister in 2007.

Framing charges against Raja, DMK MP Kanimozhi and 12 other individuals in the scam, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) Special Judge O.P. Saini said: “The conspiracy started after accused A. Raja became minister of communications and IT on May 16 and its physical manifestation started becoming clear in August-September 2007 on receipt of the TRAI recommendations dated Aug 28, 2007.”

The judge said that the conspiracy continued till the last tranche of money, Rs.50 crore, was received by Kalaignar TV Aug 7, 2009, as illegal gratification.

The court said that all the accused in the case knew each other from the beginning, much before the conspiracy started.

Judge Saini, while framing charges against Kanimozhi, Kalaignar TV chief Sharad Kumar and Swan Telecom, said that there were allegations and evidence regarding transfer of the amount of Rs.200 crore.

“The allegations (of bribe of Rs.200 crore) are not imaginary, absurd or unfounded and, as such, at this stage of the case, shall be taken at their face value. It is purely a question of fact and any observation at this stage may prejudice the parties,” the court said.

The court rejected the contention of the accused that no one would pay bribe after 16 months of obtaining favour in the form of telecom licences.

“I do not find any merit in the submissions of the accused, at this stage of the case, that the transaction may be treated as a transaction of loan without any taint of criminality,” the court said.

Trial in the case will begin Nov 11.