The CBI court posted the matter to July 28 for framing of charges. (Representational)
Former Telecom Minister Dayanidhi Maran and his brother Kalanidhi Maran, listed as main accused in the illegal telephone connections case, appeared in a Central Bureau of Investigation court here today.
Five other accused in the case also appeared before the 13th CBI Special Judge Jawahar, who posted the matter to July 28 for framing of charges.
The CBI on December 9, 2016, filed a chargesheet against Dayanidhi Maran, his brother Kalanithi Maran and others for allegedly using 764 high-speed data lines at the former's residence.
The data lines were allegedly used by Sun TV, causing a loss of Rs 1.78 crore to the exchequer, according to the prosecutors. The high-end telecommunication facilities were illegally under the "service category" for which bills were not raised from 2004 to 2007, the prosecutors alleged.
S Kannan, Chief technical Assistant of Sun TV; V Gowthaman, former Additional Private Secretary to Dayanidhi Maran; KS Ravi, electrician of Sun TV, and Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited employees KB Brahmadatha and NP Veluchamy, who were also arrayed as accused by the CBI, appeared before the court today. All the accused were given copies of the chargesheet, the CBI said.