HC considers bribe trail, K TV's share-holding pattern

The routing of Rs 200 crore alleged bribe from DB group to DMK-run Kalaignar TV, its shareholding pattern and fabrication of documents to show them as valid loan have been considered by the Delhi High court while dismissing bail applications of DMK MP Kanimozhi and Sharad Kumar in the 2G case.

Justice Ajit Bharihoke took note of CBI's findings against Kanimozhi and Sharad Kumar in holding that they were actively involved in running the TV channel and accepted the bribe in return for grant of licence to Swan Telecom by key accused and former Telecom Minister A Raja.

"Kalaignar TV is a closely-owned company in which there three shareholders. 20% stake each is held by the petitioners (Kanimozhi and Sharad) and balance 60% stake is held by Dayalu Ammal, step-mother of petitioner Kanimozhi," the court said.

To show the nexus between Kanimozhi and Raja, it said they are important functionaries of the same political party.

"Raja had close association with petitioners (Kanimozhi and Sharad) and he helped their company to get registration with Information and Technology Department and also to get included in the Bouquet of Sky TV," it said.

The accused got the bribe from Swan Telecom, owned by DB Realty Group, which earned illegal profits to the tune of Rs 3228 crore and Rs 380 crores by offloading its shares to ETISALAT Mauritius and Genex Exim Ventures Pvt Ltd respectively, it said referring to the charge sheet.