2G: Kanimozhi, Raja may spend Diwali in jail

After the framing of charges in the 2G scam by a special CBI court, it is most likely that DMK MP Kanimozhi and 13 other accused will have to spend Diwali in jail.

The special CBI court framed charges against all of them including former telecom minister A Raja and his aide Siddharth Behura. Both have been charged with criminal breach of trust by public servants.

12 others including Kanimozhi and Raja's former private secretary RK Chandolia have been charged with abetment to criminal breach of trust.

All 14 will face a maximum punishment of life term and a minimum punishment of 7 years in prison.

The 3 corporates involved, have also been charged with abetting criminal breach.

All the accused have pleaded not guilty. Sources say all of them will appeal against the charges in the High Court.

Meanwhile, Kanimozhi's father and DMK chief M Karunanidhi is said to be desperate to bail her out before Diwali. He even reached out to UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi and the Prime Minister on Saturday, but the DMK played down the visit.

It was the first time Karunanidhi met Sonia Gandhi after Kanimozhhi's arrest and his wife and Kanimozhi's mother Rajathiammal was present along with him at the meeting was. Later on Saturday evening, Karunanidhi also paid a visit to the Prime Minister. The timing of the meetings has led to speculation that the DMK chief is desperately trying to get the Congress' help in fighting the 2G case.

It's getting bail for Kanimozhi that is the key focus of the DMK. That was Karunanidhi's biggest worry as he went to meet his daughter in Tihar jail after the court order allowing charges of criminal breach of trust to be filed against all the accused.

On Monday, the special court will begin hearing the bail pleas of the accused and the question for the DMK is how long will the daughter have to stay in prison.