2G telecom scam update: Panel grills Anil Ambani

An Indian parliamentary committee grilled Anil Dhirubhai Ambani Group (ADAG) chairman Anil Ambani and DB Etisalat CEO Atul Jhamb about the alleged 2G telecom spectrum scam in episode 106 of the seemingly neverending Scam Central soap opera. 

According to CNN/IBN, Jhamb was questioned about the links with former telecom minister A Raja, who has already been arrested in the 2G spectrum scam case, and Kaliagnar TV. Jhamb and Swan Telecom promoter Vinod Goenka were grilled on why DB Realty extended indirect loans to Kalaignar TV. DB Etisalat's relations with Cineyug and Bollwyood producers – the Morani brothers – were also questioned, the news channel said. 

The channel quoted unnamed sources as saying the DB Etisalat officials were also quizzed on their timing of entry into the telecom sector, and the acquisition of Swan from Reliance ADAG.

The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has charged three top ADAG officials with abetment to cheating, criminal conspiracy, bribery and forgery.

Interestingly, "sources," which almost certainly come from within the parliamentary committee itself, do not appear to have leaked anything of substance regarding Ambani's testimony — though I haven't gone through all 300-odd related news items.

Similarly, yesterday the committee lauded industrialist Ratan Tata for his "candid" testimony — in which he said he had nothing to do with Raja's selection as telecom minister or the inappropriate allotment of 2G licenses, according to the Economic Times. Meanwhile, the lobbyist paid to represent the Tata Group's interests, Niira Radia, was accused of being "evasive" in her testimony.

"She did not give straight answers and was in no mood to place facts before the committee… At times she said can't say if this is the correct version, can't remember, etc," the paper quoted senior Bharatiya Janata Party leader Murli Manohar Joshi, head of the committee, as saying.