Malaysia-based Maxis has rejected allegations that it conspired with a former Indian telecom minister to acquire Indian operator Aircel by means of coercion.
India's Central Bureau of Investigation last week charged former telecom minister Dayanidhi Maran, Maxis and three other companies, accusing them of conspiring to manipulate the telecom business environment.
The former minister has been accused of abusing his position to coerce Aircel's former owners into selling the company to Maxis.
Maxis has denied the allegations, and asserted that it will take all legal remedies available to defend itself, the Economic Timesreported. The operator will consider pursuing international arbitration of the case.
Maxis insists its purchase of Aircel was above board, and that contrary to claims it received no preferential treatment for Aircel once assuming ownerhip.
The charge sheet also named Maxis owner T Ananda Krishnan and Maxis Group director Ralph Marshall, along with seven others.
It also named Astro All Asia Networks, which has been accused of paying illegal gratuities to the former minister, through a transaction involving the purchase of shares in subsidiary South Asia Entertainment Holding at a premium price.
AAAN has also denied any wrongdoing and indicated that it will vigorously defend any charges.