The Aircel Maxis case that is spelling trouble for the Marans 
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The Aircel Maxis case that is spelling trouble for the Marans

The Marans have been accused of entering into a quid-pro-deal with a Malaysia-based entrepreneur, T Ananda Krishnan who owns Maxis.

Written by : TNM

The News Minute| July 23, 2014| 9.40 am ISTSources indicate that the Attorney General of India Mukul Rohatgi has told the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), that a chargesheet can be filed  against former telecom minister Dayanidhi Maran and his brother Kalanidhi Maran in the Aircel-Maxis deal, as there is enough evidence.The Marans have been accused of entering into a quid-pro-deal with a Malaysia-based entrepreneur, T Ananda Krishnan who owns Maxis. Dayanidhi Maran, the then Telecom Minister has been accused of forcing C Sivasankaran, the founder of Aircel to sell his stake to Anantha Krishnan.Though an FIR had been filed in the case in 2011, CBI Director Ranjit Sinha felt there was insufficient evidence to implicate Dayanidhi Maran.Though former Solicitor General Mohan Parasaran was asked to give an opinion, he had referred it to the 'next government'.The controversyIn December 2005, the Malaysian based company Maxis bought 74% stake in Aircel, a company owned by telecom magnet Shivasankaran.In November 2006, 14 spectrum licenses were given to Aircel. Aircel paid Rs1399 crores- same rate that was applicable in 2001. The license was however given after a 2 year delay, as Aircel had applied in 2004. In February 2007- months after the license was given- Ananthakrishnan bought Rs 600 crore worth shares in Sun Direct in a phased manner. this was bought through another company he owned called South Asia Entertainment Housing Ltd.