New Delhi: A defence witness in a 2G scam-related money laundering case, in which former Telecom Minister A Raja, DMK MP Kanimozhi and 17 others are facing trial, today told a special court here that money transactions between several accused firms were “legal” and “genuine”. “The character of money invested by Kusegaon Fruits and Vegetables (P) Ltd into Cineyug Films (P) Ltd and Cineyug Films (P) Ltd into Kalaignar TV (P) Limited was legal and correct one and a genuine business transaction and so was its return,” Mitesh Vinay Kant Kurani, Chief Financial Officer of Cineyug Media and Entertainment Pvt Ltd, told the court.
The special court later fixed June 1 for commencement of final arguments in the 2G scam-related money laundering case, after Special CBI Judge O P Saini concluded recording of defence evidence during which the accused examined six witnesses.
“Defence evidence of all 19 accused stands closed. Put up the matter for final arguments on June 1,” the court said. Kurani said Cineyug Films (P) Ltd had received a proposal from Kalaignar TV regarding equity participation to the extent of 2734 per cent at a consideration of Rs 200 crore. During cross-examination by ED’s special public prosecutor N K Matta, Kurani denied that the money transaction between these firms was “bribe money”.
“It is wrong to suggest that the money which was received by us from Kusegaon Fruits and Vegetables (P) Ltd and subsequently passed on to Kalaignar TV (P) Ltd was bribe money. It is wrong to suggest that we created false documents in order to show bribe money as loan,” he said. He also denied suggestions of the prosecutor that the money was recalled from Kalaignar TV after Raja was called for interrogation by the CBI.
Kurani said Cineyug Films (P) Ltd’s Director Karim Morani, one of the accused in the case, was not involved in the day-to-day affairs of the company.
