Kalaignar MD questioned by CBI over 2G scam

Kumar was called by the investigators in New Delhi at CBI headquarters with regard to some issues related to the Rs 214 crore received by the channel from Cineyug and the role of Shahid Balwa promoted DB Realty in it, official sources said.

Last week, a team of CBI officials had gone to Chennai to question Dravida Munnettra Kazhagam Member of Parliament and Tamil Nadhu Chief Minister Karunanidhi's daughter Kanimozhi and his wife M K Dayalu Ammal in connection with the 2G spectrum allocation scam and her stake in Kalaignar TV channel. Kumar was also quizzed in this regard along with the duo.

Kumar, who is a minority stake holder in the channel which is housed in Anna Arivalayam, the DMK headquarters, was questioned for the third time in this regard, official sources said. He arrived at the CBI headquarters at about 11 am for the questioning.

The CBI had told a court recently, "It has also come to light that there was a transaction of Rs 214 crore from M/s Cineyug Films private limited to Kalaignar TV in 2009."

"The funds were arranged by M/s Cineyug Films from DB Group of companies wherein the family members of Balwa are the directors or shareholders," CBI had said in its application filed before the court.

Kalaignar TV's denial earlier had followed CBI's allegations that there was a connection between scam accused Balwa-promoted Swan Telecom and the channel. Kumar had denied receiving pay-offs from DB realty, whose former chief Balwa has been detained by the CBI. The CBI has also arrested former telecom minister A Raja in connection with the 2G scam.

Kumar, who was also questioned in February, had said the sum received from Cineyug Films was an "advance for transaction of shares", and was returned with interest when the two parties differed over the price evaluation of shares.

He had said that the money from Cineyug was received as a loan, which had been repaid with interest. The Income Tax department was aware of the transaction, he said.