2G: charges framed against Raja, Kanimozhi and 17 others

Charges has also been framed against DMK patriarch M Karunanidhi’s wife and Kanimozhi’s step-mother Dayalu Ammal and 16 others including Swan Telecom promoters Shahid Usman Balwa and Vinod Goenka in the case.

All have been framed under Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) and under section 120-B (criminal conspiracy) of IPC.

It has been learnt that if found guilty Raja and Kanimozhi could face three to seven years in prison. All the 19 accused have plead not guilty and have sought trial in the case.

According to Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), which is investigating the telecom scam, during his tenure as Union Telecom Minister in 2008, A Raja accepted bribes in exchange for handing out mobile network licenses and spectrum out of turn.

According to reports, Enforfcement Directorate (ED), in its charge sheet, had alleged that two DMK MPs Raja and Kanimozhi were involved of receiving a 200-crore kickback received in exchange for spectrum licences.

ED also named Dayalu Ammal, 84, as co-accused of receiving kickbacks.

According to information received, earlier on Monday, the Supreme Court rejected the plea for discharge of Ms.

Dayalu Ammal from the case or to constitute a fresh medical board to ascertain her medical condition.

Both Raja and Kanimozhi were jailed in the 2G spectrum scam case before being granted bail.