ED to initiate proceedings to attach assets worth Rs 550 crore belonging to Maran brothers

New Delhi: The Enforcement Directorate (ED) will soon initiate proceedings to attach assets worth Rs 550 crore belonging to Maran brothers — Dayanidhi and Kalanithi — in connection with its money laundering probe into the Aircel-Maxis deal case.

The deal had taken place during Dayanidhi Maran’s tenure as Union telecom minister.

“ED officials recently recorded statements of the Maran brothers in connection with the case. They might be summoned again,” a source said, adding, “The agency is now expected to issue an attachment order for seizing of assets of an estimated value of over Rs 550 crore in this case.”

The ED registered money-laundering case against the former telecom minister and his brother in connection with alleged irregularities in the Aircel-Maxis deal under the provisions of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act.

The agency is probing an alleged illegal gratification of about Rs 550 crore was allegedly received by the Maran brothers in the deal.