Kanimozhi had no role in Rs 200 cr transaction: 2G witness

A prosecution witness today told a Delhi court that DMK MP Kanimozhi, who is facing trial 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) Limited.

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 was having 20 per cent shares. Deposing as a prosecution witness, G Rajendran, General Manager (Finance) of Kalaignar TV (P) Ltd, said the DMK MP had no role in the investment matters between Kalaignar TV and Cineyug Films (P) Ltd, whose Director Karim Morani is also facing trial in the case.

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"It is correct that in all the investment matters from Cineyug Films (P) Limited to Kalaignar TV (P) Limited and vice versa, Kanimozhi Karunanithi had no role at all," he told Special CBI Judge O P Saini during his cross examination by senior counsel Ram Jethmalani, who appeared for the DMK MP. Rajendran, whose recording of statement concluded today, 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 Karunanithi. "It is correct that it would be wrong to say that Kanimozhi was looking after the obtaining of licence from Ministry of Information and Broadcasting," he said. 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 Pvt Ltd. According to the CBI, Karunanidhi's wife Dayalu Ammal, his daughter Kanimozhi and co-accused Sharad Kumar, Director of Kalaignar TV, have 60, 20 and 20 per cent shares of the TV channel respectively.