CBI names 5 more in 2G scam: Are they on right track?

The CBI on Monday filed its second chargesheet in the 2G spectrum case naming Tamil Nadu chief minister M Karunanidhi's daughter and DMK MP Kanimozhi and four others as accused. However, the CBI has not named Karunanidhi's wife Dayalu Ammal, whose name had figured in the 2G probe.

Other names include Sharad Kumar, the CEO of Kalaignar TV, Asif Balwa, the brother of Swan Telecom promoter Shahid Balwa, Karim Morani founder of Cineyug and Rajiv Agarwal of Kusegaon Realty.

To corporate lawyer Harish Salve this doesn't come as a surprise. "The original chargesheet too had mentioned a case of bribery. This is just a follow-up and if CBI is on the money trail, everybody who has received the money is bound to be added as a co-conspirator."

"The due law process will begin and the chargesheet will have to be now given to all parties concerned. Their lawyers will prepare the defence and the matter will start in the court. Of course that does not preclude the CBI from framing a further chargesheet if, in course of investigation, it finds some more people are involved," says corporate tax lawyer HP Ranina.

The new accused too will be issued non-bailable custody notices, he says, adding, "The CBI cannot discriminate".

Political impact

Vinod Sharma political editor at Hindustan Times feels Kanimozhi's name in the chargesheet will have some ramifications on the DMK. "But, the leadership there knows that these investigations are being done under the overall supervision of the Supreme Court of India and even if they need or want or demand some relief from government, it won't come. Even if they want to get back at the UPA or the Congress, they may have to wait until the outcome of the elections in Tamil Nadu."

Here is all you need to know about CBI's second chargesheet.