Telecom scam: CBI registers case in BSNL-WiiMax

The CBI on Saturday registered a fresh case in connection with alleged irregularities in awarding BSNL's Wiimax franchise to a private firm, considered close to ex-Telecom Minister A Raja, and carried out searches across four cities.

Nine teams of CBI officials searched the residences of Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL) officials and the officials of Starnet, the alleged beneficiary which got the franchise,in Delhi, Kolkata, Chennai and Gurgaon, CBI sources said.

The agency has not named Raja in the present case, they said.

It is alleged that Starnet Communication was given letter of intent for the WiiMax franchise of BSNL for its six circles despite the fact that it was not eligible for the same and fudged its balance sheet to grab the deal.

The eligibility conditions stipulated that the company should have a turnover of Rs 100 crore and above which was allegedly achieved by manipulation in the balance sheets by Starnet, the sources said.

The anti-corruption watchdog Central Vigilance Commission has also found alleged irregularities in the allotment of franchise to Starnet.