2G case: CBI struggles to get foreigner accused

The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) is struggling to ensure appearance of two accused foreign nationals and companies in a special court in connection with one of the cases of 2G spectrum allocation scam.

The investigation agency on Monday told a special CBI court that summons issued by it against Malaysian business tycoon T Ananda Krishnan, his associate Augustus Ralph Marshall and two firms were yet to be served as the government of Malaysia, where the accused reside, has raised certain objections regarding the “instant case”.

The agency urged the court to issue a fresh summon against the four accused, saying the serving them would take at least six months time as the Malaysian government’s objections has to be clarified through diplomatic channels.

The government of Malaysia has sent its queries about the case to the Indian High Commission on November 2.Former telecom minister, Dayanidhi his brother Kalanithi are accused in the case besides Krishnan, Marshall, Maxis Communications Berhad and Astro All Asia Network Plc. “Processes sent to accused Krishnan, Marshall, Maxis Communications Berhad and Astro All Asia Network Plc, who are all residents of/situated in Malaysia, have not been received back, served or unserved,” the CBI told the court.

Accepting the CBI’s plea, special CBI Judge O P Saini ordered for issue of fresh summons against the four accused including the two companies to be served in six months, directing the investigation agency to remain in constant touch with the Indian High Commission of India in Malaysia to ensure process is done on time. “In view of the submissions made at the bar, prayer allowed. As the four accused are required to be served through diplomatic channels, six months time is allowed for service of fresh summons. Accordingly, issue fresh summons to the aforesaid four accused for July 11, 2016,” the court said.

The court also fixed July 11, 2016 as the date for hearing on the petitions of the accused challenging its jurisdiction as well as disposal of the bail applications of Maran brothers.