CBI quizzes Standard Chartered officials over Maxis deal

In a bid to gather evidence against former textile minister Dayanidhi Maran, the CBI quizzed officials of the Standard Chartered Bank on Wednesday.

According to CBI Standard Chartered was part of the deal between Aircel and Maxis that took place in 2006.The agency has registered a preliminary enquiry into the sale of telecom spectrum during 2001-07.

“Two officials from Corporate Affairs unit of bank were called in to provide details pertaining to Maxis-Aircel deal. These officials were forthcoming and co-operative while sharing details,’’ CBI spokesperson said.

They said documents from the bank could provide crucial details about the financial transactions.

Sivasankaran had alleged in a statement before the agency that he was forced to sell his stake in Aircel by Maran and his brother Kalanidhi at a very cheap price to Malaysia-based Maxis, which is considered closed to Marans.