BJP leader Subramanian Swamy, a private complainant in the case, wants the CBI to appeal against the acquittals in High Court. The trial in 2G spectrum scam started six years ago in 2011 after the court had framed charges against 17 accused in the CBI case for offences that entailed punishment ranging from six months to life imprisonment. The trial in 2G spectrum scam started six years ago in 2011 after the court had framed charges against 17 accused in the CBI case for offences that entailed punishment ranging from six months to life imprisonment. One of the cases in which judgement is likely to be delivered on Thursday involves Essar Group promoters Ravi Kant Ruia and Anshuman Ruia, Loop Telecom promoters Kiran Khaitan, her husband IP Khaitan and Essar Group Director (Strategy and Planning) Vikash Saraf as accused. In the first case filed by the CBI, Raja and Kanimozhi are facing trial along with former telecom secretary Siddharth Behura, Raja’s erstwhile private secretary RK Chandolia, Swan Telecom promoters Shahid Usman Balwa and Vinod Goenka, Unitech Ltd MD Sanjay Chandra and three top executives of Reliance Anil Dhirubhai Ambani Group (RADAG) — Gautam Doshi, Surendra Pipara and Hari Nair. Directors of Kusegaon Fruits and Vegetables Pvt Ltd Asif Balwa and Rajiv Agarwal, Kalaignar TV director Sharad Kumar and Bollywood producer Karim Morani are also accused in it. Besides them, three telecom firms — Swan Telecom Pvt Ltd (STPL), Reliance Telecom Ltd and Unitech Wireless (Tamil Nadu) Ltd — are also accused in the case. All the accused facing trial in these cases have denied the allegations levelled against them by the CBI and the ED. The court had in October 2011 framed charges against them under various provisions of the IPC and the Prevention of Corruption Act dealing with offences of criminal conspiracy, cheating, forgery, using as genuine fake documents, abusing official position, criminal misconduct by public servant and taking bribe. In its charge sheet filed in April 2011 against Raja and others, CBI had alleged that there was a loss of Rs 30,984 crore to the exchequer in allocation of 122 licences for 2G spectrum which were scrapped by the Supreme Court on 2 February, 2012. In the case involving promoters of Essar Group, Loop Telecom and Saraf, three companies — Loop Telecom Ltd, Loop Mobile India Ltd and Essar Tele Holding Ltd (ETHL) — were also named by the CBI in its charge sheet. While the court had charged them with the offence under section 120 B (criminal conspiracy) read with section 420 (cheating) of IPC, substantial charge of cheating was made out against Saraf. The CBI had named them in its charge sheet on 12 December, 2011, alleging they had cheated the Department of Telecommunication by using Loop Telecom as a “front” to secure 2G licences in 2008. Later, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) had filed a charge sheet against Raja, Kanimozhi and others for alleged offence of money laundering. The ED had listed 19 accused in its charge sheet in April 2014, including Raja, Kanimozhi, Shahid Balwa, Vinod Goenka, Asif Balwa, Rajiv Aggarwal, Karim Morani, P Amirtham and Sharad Kumar in connection with the case. In its charge sheet, the ED had also named DMK supremo M Karunanidhi’s wife Dayalu Ammal as an accused in the case in which it had alleged that Rs 200 crore was paid by STPL promoters to DMK-run Kalaignar TV. In its final report, the ED had named 10 individuals and nine companies as accused and listed them in the charge sheet for the offences under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act. Besides Kalaignar TV, the other companies accused in the case are STPL (now Etisalat DB Telecom (P) Ltd), Kusegaon Realty (P) Ltd, Cineyug Media & Entertainment (P) Ltd, Dynamix Realty, Eversmile Construction Company (P) Ltd, Conwood Construction & Developers (P) Ltd, DB Realty Ltd and Mystical Construction (P) Ltd (earlier known as Nihar Constructions (P) Ltd).
2G spectrum scam verdict updates: After acquittal, A Raja says whole case was 'cooked up'; Kanimozhi feels 'relieved of huge burden'
A special court in New Delhi is likely to decide on Thursday the fate of former telecom minister A Raja, DMK MP Kanimozhi and several others in the much-anticipated 2G spectrum allocation scam cases.
 "2G spectrum scam verdict updates: After acquittal, A Raja says whole case was 'cooked up'; Kanimozhi feels 'relieved of huge burden'")
Jail made me stronger and wiser: Kanimozhi
A day after she was acquitted in 2G spectrum case, Kanimozhi told NDTV on Friday that her time in prison made her stronger and wiser politician. “Jail really made me stronger and wiser. I realised how politics works. I read the Mahabharata in jail and that really put things into perspective for me,” Kanimozhi was quoted as saying by NDTV.
She said that her party will continue the alliance with Congress in future too. Kanimozhi added that DMK has differences with the BJP.
Chennai wears festive look on Kanimozhi, A Raja’s arrival
Chennai on Saturday wore a festive look as DMK supporters gathered in large numbers to welcome A Raja and Kanimozhi. Party headquarters was all decked up with DMK flags in order to mark the duo’s return from Delhi.
My father was very happy to see me: Kanimozhi
After meeting party president Karunanidhi at his Gopalapuram residence, Kanimozhi said that her father welcomed her and was very happy to see her. DMK working president MK Stalin presented golden shawls to both Kanimozhi and A Raja.
Report suggest that Kanimozhi will emerge as another power centre in DMK, posing a challenge to Stalin.
– News18
Kanimozhi reaches her residence in CIT Colony after being acquitted in the 2G case, receives welcome by a crowd of supporters
Chennai: Rajya Sabha MP Kanimozhi reaches her residence in CIT Colony after being acquitted in #2GScam, welcomed by supporters pic.twitter.com/PAAzqyrUPc
— ANI (@ANI) December 23, 2017
Recap: More visuals of Kanimozhi and A Raja’s arrival in Chennai
DMK leaders Kanimozhi and A Raja received a rousing welcome from DMK workers and supporters on their arrival at Chennai airport after their acquittal in the 2G spectrum allocation case. According to Hindustan Times, frenzied celebrations were witnessed at the airport as folk dancers performed to the beat of drums as DMK cadres, holding posters of Raja and Kanimozhi, crowded the airport to welcome the leaders.
Tamil Nadu: DMK workers & supporters gather at Chennai Airport as Kanimozhi & A. Raja arrive, they were recently acquitted in the #2GScam case. pic.twitter.com/2vdLA3VdE4
— ANI (@ANI) December 23, 2017
“Want to contest Lok Sabha polls, serve people,” Kanimozhi tells NDTV
DMK leader and Rajya Sabha MP Kanimozhi, wants to contest the 2019 Lok Sabha polls, according to her interview on a news channel.
Kanimozhi said she always wanted to contest elections and serve the people. Asked if she would contest the Lok Sabha polls, the DMK leader told NDTV: “I will ask the party if I can … the party has to make a decision.”
“I always wanted to contest elections … to have a constituency and to be able to work and see things happening,” she said. — PTI
Recap: Here are the charges that former Union telecom minister A Raja and DMK leader M Kanimozhi were acquitted for under the 2G spectrum scam
Kanimozhi, A Raja meet Karunanidhi in Goapalapuram
A Raja, Rajya Sabha MP Kanimozhi and DMK working president MK Stalin met party patriarch Karunanidhi at his residence in Gopalapuram and sought his blessings.
A Raja at Karunanidhi’s residence
Chennai: A Raja reaches Karunanidhi's residence in Gopalapuram after being acquitted in #2GScam pic.twitter.com/2rNPElM0Jm
— ANI (@ANI) December 23, 2017
A Raja and Kanimozhi arrive at Karunanidhi’s residence
A Raja and Kanimozhi’s have arrived at DMK president Karunanidhi’s residence in Gopalapuram in Chennai.
Chennai: Rajya Sabha MP Kanimozhi reaches father Karunanidhi's residence in Gopalapuram after being acquitted in #2GScam pic.twitter.com/RsTWasQOaF
— ANI (@ANI) December 23, 2017
Elevation of A Raja and Kanimozhi expected
Reports suggest that there may be an elevation of A Raja and Kanimozhi in the party. Some DMK members wish that the duo should be elevated in the party. The duo has not held any position in the party for seven years.
– The Financial Express
Kanimozhi’s mother demands elevation of daughter
Rajathi Ammal, Kanimozhi’s mother has demanded elevation for her daughter. She said she was happy for her daughter.
At DMK headquarters party supporters hail Kanimozhi
The road to DMK headquarters in Chennai is dotted with posters and banners of A Raja, Kanimozhi and MK Stalin. In a show of support to Raja and Kanimozhi, party workers are hailing them, shouting slogans.
DMK supporters burst crackers, play music outside M Karunanidhi’s residence
#DMK leaders A Raja, #Kanimozhi to arrive in #Chennai today. Party celebrates, bursts crackers.
— IndiaToday (@IndiaToday) December 23, 2017
Watch more videos at https://t.co/NounxnP7mg#ITVideo pic.twitter.com/CvBp4mVtMC
#BREAKING - Grand song and dance welcome for A Raja and K Kanimozhi. #UPAAcquittedIn2G pic.twitter.com/ZnxttSCySg
— News18 (@CNNnews18) December 23, 2017
DMK supporters celebrate at M Karunanidhi’s residence
Tamil Nadu: DMK workers & supporters also gather near M.Karunanidhi's residence in Chennai's Gopalapuram for Kanimozhi's arrival. pic.twitter.com/DCDKOKLAjm
— ANI (@ANI) December 23, 2017
DMK supporters at Chennai airport
Tamil Nadu: DMK workers gather at Chennai Airport for Kanimozhi's arrival, who was recently acquitted in the #2GScam case. pic.twitter.com/NIXikq6AK0
— ANI (@ANI) December 23, 2017
A Raja, Kanimozhi head to DMK headquarters
A Raja and Kanimozhi have left the airport and are heading to DMK headquarters. The due will meet party general secretary K Anbazhagan. Following this they will meet party chief M Karunanidhi in Gopalpuram.
A Raja, Kanimozhi land at Chennai airport amid grand welcome
DMK HQs in Chennai decked up to welcome party leaders A Raja and Kanimozhi who are acquitted in 2G case pic.twitter.com/8cD6M7FYNv
— TIMES NOW (@TimesNow) December 23, 2017
Roadshow of A Raja and Kanimozhi from airport to Gopalapuram
DMK supporters are dancing and singing, waiting for A Raja and Kanimozhi’s arrival. Heavy police security has been deployed at Chennai airport. There will be roadshow from airport to DMK headquarters in Gopalapuram.
Hero’s welcome for A Raja and Kanimozhi
Kanimozhi arrives in Chennai today. Chennai airport is packed with supporters causing heavy traffic. Follow The Quint for all the live updates. pic.twitter.com/tdps8uy8kr
— The Quint (@TheQuint) December 23, 2017
Kanimozhi’s political stock set to rise within DMK after 2G spectrum verdict
Kanimozhi, after coming out clean in 2G spectrum case, is expected to play second fiddle to DMK working president MK Stalin in the party. Kanimozhi will also be the DMK’s face in New Delhi. A Raja is also likely to be promoted politically, according to The Quint report.
DMK workers gather at Chennai airport to welcome A Raja and Kanimozhi
DMK workers crowd around at the Chennai airport to receive A Raja, Kanimozhi as they return after being acquitted in the #2GScam @CNNnews18 pic.twitter.com/GMIEq5e09z
— Deepa Balakrishnan (@deepab18) December 23, 2017
2G verdict can lead to political realignment in Tamil Nadu
The acquittal of DMK Kanimozhi and A Raja, and others by a court in the 2G spectrum case has come as a big boost for the party and could lead to a political realignment in Tamil Nadu, political observers and party leaders say.
There is also a view that DMK will be wooed by the BJP with an eye on the 2019 Lok Sabha polls. There could be a race between the Congress and BJP to align with DMK.
– IANS
Grand welcome planned by DMK for A Raja and Kanimozhi
#BREAKING -- DMK's grand show plan after 2G acquittals: At 11:45 am tomorrow, MK Stalin to receive A Raja and Kanimozhi at airport #UPAAcquittedIn2G | @nimumurali with more details pic.twitter.com/tGzQqX9D9q
— News18 (@CNNnews18) December 22, 2017
Kanimozhi downplays speculations of DMK forging alliance with BJP
Kanimozhi on Friday said that the 2G verdict will not change DMK’s stand on anything. The DMK leader hinted that a partnership with the BJP was unlikely. The DMK is part of a Congress alliance and was part of the UPA government.
– DNA
2G verdict to influence electoral scene in 2019 Lok Sabha polls
The 2G spectrum verdict may open avenues for the DMK switching over to the NDA. The alliance between DMK and BJP has become a possibility specially after Narendra Modi visited party patriarch M Karunanidhi in Chennai to enquire about his health.
You protected me like a baby: A Raja in his letter to Karunanidhi
A Raja in an emotional letter written to M Karunanidhi on Friday said that the party chief stood by him throughout. He said he places the verdict that vindicates the party’s position “at the feet of Karunanidhi” with gratitude. “You protected me like a baby in a mother’s womb to ensure that I did not melt away during the spectrum journey,” Raja said in the letter.
DMK to roll out red carpet for A Raja and Kanimozhi
After acquittal in #2GScam, #DMK to roll out red carpet for A Raja and #Kanimozhi who are scheduled to arrive in #Chennai today
— IndiaToday (@IndiaToday) December 23, 2017
Watch more videos at https://t.co/NounxnP7mg#ITVideo pic.twitter.com/8lkjepkj34
DMK has given a blow to those who wanted to taint its name: MK Stalin
DMK working president MK Stalin, in a letter to party workers on Friday, said that the 2G verdict has made the DMK stand tall. Stalin said that Raja, during his tenure as telecom minister, made mobile services accessible to economically backward classes.
– The Hindu
A Raja and Kanimozhi will emerge as DMK’s torchbearers
After their acquittal in 2G spectrum case, A Raja and Kanimozhi are expected to rise in DMK under party working president M K Stalin’s leadership. Currently a Rajya Sabha MP Kanimozhi has already expressed her desire to contest the 2019 Lok Sabha polls.
– The Times of India
MK Stalin to greet A Raja and Kanimozhi at Chennai airport
The duo will be greeted by DMK working president MK Stalin. From airport they will head to DMK headquarters and meet party general secretary K Anbazhagan. Following this they will meet party chief M Karunanidhi in Gopalpuram. Kanimozhi will then be given grand reception at her residence in CIT colony.
Judgment raises more questions than answers: CPM
“The judgment of the CBI special court on the 2G spectrum case raises more questions than answers. It was well-established that the allocation of 2G spectrum had caused a big loss calculated to be Rs. 1,76,000 crores by the CAG. The Supreme Court had indicted some of the telecom companies involved for misuse of the allocations and cancelled the licences of concerned companies.
Since the CBI case and prosecution has proved inadequate, steps must be taken immediately to pursue the matter legally, so that those who are guilty are punished.”
DMK’s MK Stalin calls judgment historic
Deeply delighted by the historical Judgment by Hon'ble Special Judge Thiru O.P.Saini, CBI Court in 2G Spectrum case. Today's verdict has demolished the concerted, vicious campaign built upon a pile of lies against DMK by vested interests and now DMK stands vindicated #DMKtriumphs pic.twitter.com/lZ5dnREMIE
— M.K.Stalin - தமிழ்நாட்டை தலைகுனிய விடமாட்டேன் (@mkstalin) December 21, 2017
Always held prosecution case was false: Raja
In his first comments after being acquitted in the 2G case, former telecom minister A Raja on Thursday said he stood vindicated as accusations that he took Rs 200 crore bribe to allocate lucrative radio wave spectrum in 2008 were false.
“I have felt somewhat vindicated all along even prior to this judgment because the beneficial results of my actions are evident to and being enjoyed by the nation’s public, especially the poor,” Raja said in a statement.
He said as the telecom minister, he had brought “revolution in the telecom sector” in India. “It is not unknown to history that a person who did a revolution is often termed as a criminal.”
IANS
Congress hits out at Jaitley’s ‘badge of honour’ remark
Dear @arunjaitley Ji, the policy is designed by Vajpayee Govt. Please stop spreading false claims and lies. #CongressIsClean and it is proved in #2GScamVerdict !! https://t.co/txPVDnxqPm
— Tamil Nadu Congress Committee (@INCTamilNadu) December 21, 2017
After acquittal, A Raja says whole case was ‘cooked up’ against him
Former Telecom Minister A. Raja says, 'the entire case was cooked up,' on being asked if he feels let down by Congress & UPA he said, 'that we will see later.' #2GScamVerdict pic.twitter.com/LZYiYQStOa
— ANI (@ANI) December 21, 2017
In Lok Sabha, Congress demands Vinod Rai quits all post, return awards, TMC seeks probe in ex-CAG’s role
A demand for former CAG chief Vinod Rai to quit all posts was made in the Lok Sabha on Thursday, hours after a court ordered acquittal of all the accused in the 2G spectrum scam case which was based on the government auditor’s findings during his tenure.
While senior Congress leader M Veerappa Moily said Rai should tender an apology to the country, resign from all posts he is holding and return all the awards, Trinamool Congress leader Saugata Roy sought that the former CAG chief should be probed on the issue.
A 2010 report of the Comptroller and Auditor General, when Rai was its head, had estimated that there was a presumptive loss of Rs 1.76 lakh crore to the exchequer in the allocation of the 2G spectrum during the then UPA regime.
“Vinod Rai in anxiety gave an estimated loss in the 2G … Now I think he has been awarded…You (NDA government) have awarded him. I think all those awards he has to return. He has to resign from all those posts and tender an apology to the country,” Moily said.
Unitech’s Sanjay Chandra says business suffered damage despite no wrongdoing
Within hours of acquittal in the 2G spectrum allocation case by a special court, Unitech MD Sanjay Chandra said there was no wrongdoing on his part but his company had to pay the price for the case foisted on him. Anil Ambani-led Reliance Group also welcomed the court verdict.
CBI to appeal against acquittal in Delhi HC, says court relied heavily on oral evidence
The CBI has said that the court in its ruling gave oral evidence by the accused more credence than the written and documentary evidence provided by it. The CBI officers also said that the convention is to give written evidence more weight and it is on basis of this that the agency is going to appeal against the acquittal of all accused in the case.
BJP conspired with former CAG Vinod Rai to malign UPA govt: Samajwadi Party
2G spectrum case verdict: BJP conspired with former CAG Vinod Rai and blamed the then UPA govt. A message went out that the then govt was corrupt: Samajwadi Party leader Naresh Agrawal #UPANotGuilty pic.twitter.com/tvNYKa8f9K
— TIMES NOW (@TimesNow) December 21, 2017
Top Shows
