India Behind The Lens (News Centre)

CBI has widened its probe in the 2G spectrum scam and has now turned to investigate spectrum allocation made to direct-to-home (DTH) broadcasters by seeking details of sanction of bandwidth. The decision to probe the DTH broadcasters was taken after agency found that some of the telecom companies, under probe in the 2G scam, were also broadcasters of the service. The CBI had sought details including the original files containing applications for assigning of spectrum and wireless operating licence for DTH services.

CBI sources said it would examine the files as some of these companies were under probe in the 2G scam which included role of former Telecom Minister Dayanidhi Maran in Aircel- Maxis deal. The files pertained to Doordarshan, Dish TV India Limited, Reliance Big TV Pvt Limited, Bharti Multi-media Limited, Bharti Business Channel Pvt Limited, SunDirect TV Pvt Limited and Tata Sky Limited.

While Dish TV and Doordarshan are not into telecom business, Bharti and Tatas, which are there, have not been made accused in the 2G scam. Other than that, CBI has charged DMK MP Kanimozhi of having got Kalaignar TV in the Tata Sky bouquet in conspiracy with former telecom minister A Raja. CBI has also charged Reliance Telecommunications with criminal conspiracy and cheating in the 2G case.