2G scam: Suneeta Reddy of Apollo questioned by CBI over Aircel-Maxis deal

CBI has questioned Executive Director of Apollo Hospital Suneeta Reddy on the alleged role of former Telecom Minister Dayanidhi Maran in the takeover of Aircel by Malaysian group Maxis.

The agency is probing the allocation of spectrum during 2001-07 and it has questioned Maran, his brother Kalanidhi and top executive of Maxis group Ralph Marshall as former Aircel Chief C Shivasankaran had alleged he was forced by the minister to sell his stake.

Reddy was asked to clarify her interests in Aircel, agency sources said. Reddy had held the position of Chairperson of Aircel in 2005, according to annual reports of the group for the fiscal ending March 31, 2006.

Maxis Communications has 74% share in the Aircel while 26% is owned by Sindya Securities and Investments, according to Aircel web site.

Reddy family is said to be stakeholders in Sindya Securities and Investments and its promoters, sources said.

According to annual report of the Apollo group for 2009-10, Suneeta Reddy's profile mentioned that she held external directorship in Aircel as well as Sindya Securities and Investments limited.

The Apollo Hospitals in a statement said,"Apollo Hospitals Group and its Chairman Dr Prathap C Reddy do not have any investment in Aircel or any other telecom company."

"The Sindya Securities and Investments Pvt Ltd promoted by Mr P Dwarakanath Reddy and Mrs Suneeta Reddy have investments in Aircel entity and this is a strategic investment in telecom sector, which was a growing business opportunity," the statement said.