Dayanidhi Maran appears before CBI court in telephone exchange case

CHENNAI: Former Union telecom minister Dayanidhi Maran appeared before special court for CBI cases in connection with illegal telephone exchange case registered against him, his brother Kalanidhi Maran of Sun TV group and others.

Meanwhile, counsel appearing on behalf of Dayanidhi Maran has informed S. Natarajan, XIV Additional Judge for Special Court for CBI cases that they will file discharge petitions relieving him from the case. Later, the judge posted the matter for framing of charges to October 23, 2017.

Among seven accused Dayanithi Maran, Gowthaman, personal assistant of Dayanidhi Maran, Ravi, electrician of Sun TV and Kannan, a technician, have appeared in the court. Gowthaman and Ravi have also filed the discharge petitions. Kalanidhi Maran filed dispensed with appearance petition.

All the seven accused planning to file the discharge petitions and dispensed with appearance petitions. Directing the CBI to file reply, the judge posted the matter to October 23 for further hearing and to frame charges.

According to the CBI, Dayanidhi Maran, when he was Union minister for communication and information technology in the UPA-I government , abused his official position for the benefit of Sun TV Network. He installed a private telephone exchange at his residences in Chennai during June 2004 to December 2006 for the task.

CBI alleged that 764 telephone links were provided to Dayanidhi Maran and no bills were raised causing a loss of Rs 1.78 crore to BSNL, Chennai and MTNL, Delhi. The lines were connected from his residences initially in Gopalapuram and later in Boat Club to his brother's Sun TV office for the illegal use.