2G Spectrum Scam Verdict Set for December 21; Do I Look Nervous, Asks Kanimozhi

New Delhi: The Patiala House Court on Tuesday set December 21 as the date for verdict in the 2G spectrum allocation scam in which DMK MP Kanimozhi and former telecom minister A Raja are among the accused.

On being asked what she expects will happen on December 21, Kanimozhi told reporters: "Do I look nervous... Let us see." She was present in court when the date was announced.

The 2G spectrum scam is said to be the biggest scam in the history of Independent India. The Time Magazine has called it the second biggest instance of the abuse of executive power — just a notch below Richard Nixon's Watergate scandal.

On November 16, 2010, the Comptroller and Auditor General of India (CAG), the supreme auditing body of the country, came out with its report on the issuance of licenses and allocation of 2G spectrum by the Department of Telecom.

According to the CBI, A Raja was biased in allocating 2G mobile air waves and operating licences to telecom firms, causing a huge loss to the state exchequer. (Photo: PTI)

CAG, then headed Vinod Rai, revealed 2G licenses had been issued to telecom operators at throwaway prices causing a loss of Rs 1.76 lakh crore to the exchequer.

Moreover, licences had been issued to ineligible applicants who had deliberately suppressed facts, disclosed incomplete information, submitted fictitious documents and used fraudulent means for getting licenses and thereby access to spectrum.

According to the CBI, Raja was biased in allocating 2G mobile air waves and operating licences to telecom firms, causing a huge loss to the state exchequer.

The CBI chargesheet said Rs 200 crore was transferred from DB Group to Kalaignar TV, which were kickbacks in lieu of allocation of 2G spectrum to Swan Telecom Pvt Ltd.

The Enforcement Directorate has filed a separate case related to money laundering alleging that a conspiracy was hatched by Raja, Kanimozhi and DMK supremo M. Karunanidhi's wife Dayalu Ammal besides others and that the Rs 200 crore was the proceeds of crime.

All accused, including Raja, are out on bail.