Raids at offices and houses of Kalaignar TV officials

CBI raided on Friday the offices of Kalaignar TV, a Chennai-based channel closely linked to DMK, as part of its investigation into the 2G scam.

“Raids were conducted at the offices and residences of top management of the Chennai-based Kalaignar television channel. Several incriminating documents were reportedly seized from there. Further investigation is on,” the agency’s DIG Binita Thakur said.

CBI claims Shahid Usman Balwa, managing director of DB Realty, which is 2G beneficiary Swan Telecom’s promoter, has given it crucial details about alleged kickbacks received by former telecom minister A Raja. On the basis of Balwa’s disclosure, the probing agency is tightening the noose around DMK’s first family.

DMK patriarch M Karunanidhi’s second wife MK Dayalu and daughter and Rajya Sabha MP Kanimozhi are majority shareholders in Kalaignar TV. CBI suspects bribe received in allocation of 2G spectrum during the Raja regime may have been diverted to the channel.

CBI officials have already decided to quiz Kanimozhi in connection with the Rs214 crore pumped into Kalaignar TV by DB Realty through Cineyug Entertainment.

According to documents seized by CBI and the enforcement directorate, it was a three-step transfer.

First, DB Realty transferred Rs209 crore in unsecured loans to Kusegaon Realty Pvt Ltd, which transferred Rs206 crore in loans and advances to Cineyug Films, which finally transferred Rs214 crore in unsecured loans to Kalaignar TV.