Has CBI allowed T. Ananda Krishnan, prime accused in Aircel-Maxis case, to go scot free? It appears so. The Malaysian businessman who is main accused in the case along with former telecom minister Dayanidhi Maran, has exited the company by selling his equity in the parent company. He has pocketed $10 billion in the deal, while the Indian premier investigating agency failed to chargesheet him despite strong recommendations from the officers investigating the case.

Sources said that CBI director has sent the file to attorney general (AG) for his opinion whether chargesheet could be filed in this case or not. “This is unprecedented as such queries are sent to AG only if there is a difference in opinion. In this case, there was no difference in opinion,” said a source familiar with the case.

It appears that the CBI has facilitated exit of accused by not filing the charge sheet against him.

Malaysian press has reported that Ananda Krishnan has sold his equity in its Malaysian parent company Maxis Bhd to an undisclosed seller for RM ($10.36 billion).

Malaysian press has reported that 64.97% of total equity of the company was transacted off market on Monday. “The amount of shares sold match the controlling shareholder of Maxis, Binariang GSM Sdn Bhd stake in the telco. Binariang is owned by Malaysia’s second-richest man and self- made billionaire T Ananda Krishnan,” said Malaysian press.

“Instead of finding excuses not to chargesheet T. Ananda Krishnan and Maran, CBI should immediately file chargesheet against the accused. This has already been recommended by the investigating officers,” said a source familiar with the developments.