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2G Spectrum Scam: Full Story

The buzz about 2G scam is witnessed over the last four years since 2008. It is the biggest scam ever taken place in India. The murmurs about Radia, A. Raja, Barkha Dutt, Ambani, P. Chidambaram, etc is all heard but still many are confused and striving to find out what is 2G scam and how it took place. Well help all those audiences to could not understand the2G scam. What is 2G spectrum? 2G spectrum is about number portability that allows users to change their service provider by retaining the original number. The snapshots of 2G scam are as follows:

In 2007, A Raja (Minister of Communication & Information Technology) said that there will be no auction for 2G spectrum unlike 3G & Winmax as recommended by TRAI. 2008 witnessed the segregation between 2G & 3G revenue mechanisms. COAI- Director General TV Ramachandran said that 3G will be acquired through an open auction to experience the benefits of broadband throughout the nation. For 2G spectrum A Raja followed the first come first serve approach whereas DOT announced that it would accept the application for the same after October 1, 2007. But the applications accepted were those which were submitted before this date. Many companies did not get the spectrum because of the confusion about the cut-off date. There was something fishy here thats why Telecom Ministry opposed 2G spectrum auction because it would have demanded transparency. In lieu of which nearly 60million mobile subscribers could not be verified in India. In 2010, Opposition alleged Congress led UPA government with the corruption related to 2G Scam. A. Raja lost his position in the cabinet reshuffle by PM, Manmohan Singh. CAG blamed A. Raja for violating the policies in handling 2G spectrum resulting in Rs. 1.39 trillion which was double then the former CAG report submitted to Supreme Court. With the relentless opposition pressure A Raja had to resign since he was scanned under the investigation of CBI demanded by Supreme Court. The battles between the corporations & the political parties took place during this year. In 2011, Kapil Sibbal was given the responsibility to further handle the scam. On February 02, 2011 A Raja was arrested by CBI causing a loss of Rs. 22000 crore. He was sent to Tihar Jail for 14 days under the judicial custody. CBI questioned DMK chief M Karunanidhis daughter Kanimozhi & his wife Dayallu Ammal on transfer of money from Cineyug to Kalainagar TV. They both share80% stake in it. Supreme Court asked DOT to explain the first come first service in detail. On March 22, 2011 A. Raja, Sharad Kumar (Kalainagar TVs managing director) , Shahid Balwa were arrested by CBI under the first charge sheet. The second charge sheet accused several others including Kanimozhi. In May, BJPs accusation demanded CBI to investigate P. Chidambrams role in the 2G scam. Pranab Mukherjee analyzed the scam & passed a letter to the Prime Minister, Manmohan Singh, asking P. Chidambarams resignation stating his direct involvement in the 2G scam. PMs speechlessness is shocking to the nation since the controversial note of 2G framed by officials passed though PMO i.e. Prime Ministers office.

The 2G Scam is the scam about the short fall of money that was supposed to be 39 billion dollar. Three major parties involved were Politicians, Corporations & Media. Politicians role we have already discussed.

Medias Role in 2G Scam: Nira Radias conversation with politicians and corporations was recorded & leaked. Barkha Dutt, NDTV Jounalist, was also found in the conspiracy threaded by A Raja. Vir Sanghavi, HTs editor was also accused for writing articles reducing blame on Nira Radia. Corporations in 2G Scam: Unitech Group (real estate company), Swan Telecom, Loop Mobile, Videocon Telecom, S Tel and eliance Communications had louder indulgence in the scam. TRANSACTION DETAILS

A Raja sold 2G spectrum to Swan Telecom @ Rs. 1537 crore in turn Swan sold 45% of its stake to Etisalat @ Rs. 4200 crore. A Raja sold 2G spectrum to Unitech Group @ Rs. 1661 crore in turn Swan sold 60% of its stake to Etisalat @ Rs. 6200 crore. These companies made a collective bribe to Ministery of Communication & IT @ Rs. 10, 772 core. The total money loss expected by CAG is Rs. 1, 76, 700 crore

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