2G scam: CBI raids Airtel, Vodafone's office

The Central Bureau Of Investigation (CBI) on Saturday filed fresh case about discrepancies in 2G spectrum allocation during BJP leader Pramod Mahajan's tenure. CBI conducted raids at Vodafone office in Mumbai and Airtel office in Gurgaon.

CBI also conducted raids at the residences of former Telecom Secretary Shyamal Ghosh and former director of Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL) JR Gupta.

The case is a follow up of the Supreme Court ordered preliminary enquiry in which spectrum allocation during tenures of former telecom ministers Mahajan, Arun Shourie and Dayanidhi Maran were being probed.

This is the second FIR in this preliminary enquiry after a case was registered against Maran.

Bharti Artel released a statement after the FIR was filed. The statement read, "We would like to categorically state that all the spectrum allotted to us from time to time has been strictly as per the stated Government policy. We are providing all details and correspondence to the authorities and shall provide complete support as needed in the matter."

Bharti Airtel spokesperson said, "Bharti Airtel has always maintained the highest standards of corporate governance and regulatory compliance."

Vodafone India also issued a statement saying, "There was a visit by CBI officials this morning at our office in Mumbai and Delhi seeking information related to the spectrum allocation to operators during 2001-02. All our documents are in complete compliance with the governing laws and regulations."

The CBI in September had submitted its report on Shourie and Maran.

The agency has already filed a case with regard to alleged conspiracy in the Aircel-Maxis deal during the tenure of Maran.

CBI's preliminary enquiry report had indicted the late BJP leader Pramod Mahajan for causing losses to the exchequer and favouring private companies, as telecom minister.

Mahajan had allotted additional spectrum beyond 6.2 MHZ and upto 10 MHZ by charging only additional 1 per cent revenue share.

According to sources Mahajan's decision had caused revenue loss of Rs 565 crores to Department of Telecom (DoT).