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Home Min cites #CBI and #ED probe to justify denial of security nod to Sun FM#radio stations ow.ly/N7raC pic.twitter.com/88hz69Nj5C | ||
Home ministry cites CBI and ED probe to justify denial of security nod to Sun Group’s FM radio stations
NEW DELHI: The home ministry has, citing security considerations, signalled its disinclination to entertain requests by the information & broadcasting (I&B) ministry to reconsider its decision to reject clearances to the Maran family-led Sun Group's FM radio stations, potentially escalating the resolution of this high-profile standoff to the prime minister's office (PMO).
Two home ministry officials familiar with the matter told ET that with three ongoing criminal cases filed by Central Bureau of Investigation and Enforcement Directorate against Sun TV and its founder & chief Kalanithi Maran, the denial of security clearance to nearly 50 FM channels of the group was a decision taken on "security considerations" and therefore not being "reconsidered" so far. Sun TV Network's group companies operate a raft of radio stations under the Suryan FM and Red FM brands and had sought licence renewals from the I&B ministry.
The licence renewal process also entails fresh security clearances from the home ministry.
I&B Minister Arun Jaitley wrote to Home Minister Rajnath Singh last month, asking why his ministry had rejected the security clearances and reportedly urged a review of the decision. Two home ministry officials told ET that Singh "has so far" not replied to Jaitley's letter and nor has he until now instructed officials in the ministry to reconsider the matter.
I&B Secretary Bimal Julka subsequently wrote multiple letters to Home Secretary LC Goyal, but hasn't received any written replies from his counterpart in the home ministry.
"Reasons are not cited while denying security clearance. A reply will be communicated to the I&B ministry in due course explaining that three ongoing cases against Kalanithi Maran and Sun TV are why the security clearance was denied. It is a matter of security," one home ministry official told ET. The official added that the ministry had depended on inputs on the ongoing cases from CBI and ED to deny the security clearance.
CBI has charged Kalanithi Maran, his brother and DMK politician and UPA-era telecom minister Dayanidhi Maran and Sun TV in the Aircel-Maxis case last year. As an offshoot of that investigation, the Enforcement Directorate launched an investigation into a possible money laundering angle and last month attached properties worth .`742.58 crore belonging to the Maran brothers. This amount, in the agency's view, equals the alleged illegal gratification paid in the Aircel-Maxis scam wherein a UK-based subsidiary of Maxis purchased shares of Sun Direct Ltd at a premium of Rs 629 crore.
CBI is also investigating a case against Dayanidhi Maran and Sun TV for laying nearly 323 telephone lines connecting Maran's residence with the office of Sun TV through a dedicated underground cable during his tenure as telecom minister. Earlier this January, CBI arrested Maran's former secretary in this case, prompting him to allege a witchhunt even as he denied that he had anything to do with Sun TV.
The Sun TV network is looking for renewal of the licence of its radio stations for migration from phase II to phase III after payment of a migration fee following the government approving phase III auction of FM channels in January.
Comments:
Arun Jaitley would do well to keep off this decision. He has no role to play and why is he batting for the corrupt in Tamil Nadu ??
Why is FM batting for this corrupt group ?? What's his interest in their getting a licence ? AJ once again is reinforcing the view that he puts his personal interests above his party's interest and thereby undoing Modi's effort to rout out corruption.
Problem with Kejriwal is,he thinks himself a super CM forgetting that DELHI is yet to become a full state with all the powers. He is more a city Mayor than a CM.He should always keep it in mind while governing DELHI...
MARANS USED GOVT OFFICE FOR PERSONAL GAIN.
There is no doubt of it absolutely
remove licence of their TV channels as well, force them to sell it to some one liek the way they did in Aircel-maxis deal. return with thanks :)
The HM is perhaps justifying in its denial to Sun Group in the matter of security clearances. As the CBI and ED are investigating the alleged irregularities, why approval to Sun Network should be given by the HM. As per this write up, there are 323 telephone connections illegally installed by the influence of Dayanidhi Maran, when he was minister in UPA - I. In these circumstances, HM might be thinking of disapproval in security matter.
One Thing is sure, how ever Bad Modi performs, it will definitely be 10 times better than the previous Govt...... If corruption is weeded out then things fall in place automatically even with a slightest of slightest VISION..... I guess that's what is happening.
thats the gift, congress has given to present govt. as of now our petrol prices are shooten up to the same rate as it wasn in congress rule, now interesting to see the inflation and growth targets
Why laws related to rape or Crime against women in general are so weak or not implemented properly. There is no fear of Law...What is Modi Govt.doing..
They deserve nothing..first they should face the cases filed against them..!!
Ask MK. He will whisper into our ears how it was accomplished!!!!
These FM stations need clearance from Bribe-taking-giving commissions like CBI.