ED concludes final arguments in 2G money-laundering case

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) on Friday concluded its final arguments before a special court in the 2G scam-related money-laundering case, in which former Telecom Minister A Raja, DMK MP Kanimozhi and 17 others are facing trial.

Special public prosecutor Anand Grover wrapped up his final arguments, contending that the Rs 200-crore transaction between DMK-run Kalaignar TV (KTV) and the DB Group firms was “proceeds of crime” and not genuine.

Special CBI Judge OP Saini has fixed the case for final arguments by the defence on March 1. The ED had earlier alleged that Rs 200 crore was paid to Kalaignar TV in lieu of grant of 2G spectrum licences to Swan Telecom Pvt Ltd (STPL) by Raja.

It had claimed that Rs 200-crore transaction between DB Group firms and Kalaignar TV was “illegal gratification” and the money travelled through a “circuitous route” from Dynamix Realty to Kusegaon Fruits and Vegetables Pvt Ltd and Cineyug Films Pvt Ltd and finally reached KTV.

Grover had earlier told the court that there was “inconsistency” in the transaction, which reflected that it was not genuine. The ED had alleged that a conspiracy was hatched by Raja, Kanimozhi, DMK chief M Karunanidhi’s wife Dayalu Ammal and others and Rs 200 crore was the “proceeds of crime”. 

Raja, Kanimozhi, Ammal and 16 others, including nine firms, are facing trial in the case.