India's ED Summons Former Communication Minister On Aircel-Maxis Deal

NEW DELHI, March 16 (Bernama) -- India's Enforcement Directorate (ED) is set to question former Communications Minister Dayanidhi Maran on March 20 in connection with its probe on the controversial Aircel-Maxis deal. The deal took place during Dayanidhi's tenure. The ED recently registered a money-laundering case against the former communications minister and his brother, Kalanidhi Maran, in connection with alleged irregularities in the Aircel-Maxis deal, under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), The Asia Age reported. "While Dayanidhi is expected to be questioned on March 20, his brother Kalanidhi may be questioned separately on March 21," the paper said quoting sources. However, it said that it is not mandatory for them to appear before the agency and can even send representatives along with the documents sought. The agency is probing allegations of illegal gratification of about 550 crore rupees allegedly received by the Maran brothers in the Aircel-Maxis, said the source. -- BERNAMA