Daijiworld Media Network

New Delhi, Sep 26: Why would an individual want not two, three, even hundred but as many as 323 telephone lines in his residence? That is what the CBI is keen to find out from former telecom minister Dayanidhi Maran.

The allegations of illegally installing 323 telephone connections were made in 2007 but the CBI is likely into it only now. It was alleged that during Maran's tenure as telecom minister, the BSNL telephone lines were illegally linked with a television channel owned by his brother Kalanithi, at the former's residence to receive high quality pictures.

The connections were taken in the name of BSNL general manager and were linked between Maran's residence in Chennai and Sun TV's office through a dedicated underground cable, sources said.

These lines were not ordinary telephone lines but expensive Integrated Services Digital Network (ISDN) connections capable of carrying huge data and facilitating faster transmission of TV news and programmes.

Though the CBI had recommended action in the case to the then telecom secretary, nothing came of it. Hence, the investigative agency will now file a preliminary inquiry against unknown persons, it is learnt.

According to reports, these lines were allegedly used for video conferencing, transmission of huge volume of digital data and so on. They were reportedly customised with stealth cables so that except for some BSNL staff, no one could be aware of the lines.

Dayanidhi Maran quit as textiles minister in July over his alleged role in the 2G spectrum scam.