CBI to file FIR in spectrum allocation during Pramod Mahajan tenure

The CBI is likely to file an FIR for alleged irregularities in spectrum allocation during the tenure of Pramod Mahajan as telecom minister in NDA Government between 2001-03.

The CBI was looking into the allocation of spectrum under late Pramod Mahajan to certain companies beyond the prescribed limit, sources said. Mahajan was Telecom Minister between 2001 and 2003. 

The Department of Telecom is alleged to have increased the base spectrum for telecom companies from 4.4 MhZ to 6.2 MhZ during his tenure and also allocated extra spectrum on subscriber-based criteria, the sources said.

The agency has completed its probe in the spectrum allocation between 2001-07 but did not find any such irregularity during the tenure of former Telecom Minister Arun Shourie, sources said here.

The CBI has already filed a case with regard to alleged conspiracy in the Aircel-Maxis deal during the tenure of the then telecom Minister Dayanidhi Maran.

They said the agency has found enough evidence against the then officials of Telecom Department during the term of Mahajan to file a regular case against them.