2G scam: CBI grills Kanimozhi, stepmother

The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) on Friday interrogated DMK MP Kanimozhi and her stepmother Dayalu Ammal in Chennai in connection with the 2G spectrum allocation scam.

Kanimozhi, who is the daughter of Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M Karunanidhi, was grilled over fund transfers from a private firm indicted in the scam to Kalaignar TV, a regional channel in which Karunanidhi?s family owns majority stake.

Kanimozhi reached the DMK headquarters here in the morning, where the offices of Kalaignar TV are also located, to face the CBI.

Karunanidhi’s second wife Dayalu Ammal was to be quizzed by the CBI. She also reached the DMK office in the morning.

“The CBI asked me to substantiate the statement by Kalaignar TV’s Managing Director Sharad Kumar…We are cooperating unlike other leaders. We are above board,? said Kanimozhi.

“The Supreme Court is monitoring the case and we have not put any pressure,” she said.

While Kanimozhi holds 20% stakes in Kalaignar TV, Dayalu Ammal has 60% ownership.

The CBI is probing transfer of Rs 200 crore from Swan Telecom promoter Shahid Balwa?s DB Realty firm to the television channel.

The investigating agency is enquiring if these funds were in any manner connected with allocation of 2G Spectrum at undervalued price.

Kalaignar TV?s managing director Sharat Kumar is also likely to be questioned by the CBI in the case.

Balwa has already been arrested, along with former telecom minister and DMK MP A Raja, in the scam.