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Sun TV shares dip after ED attaches Marans’ assets
MUMBAI: South Indian media baron Kalanithi Maran and his brother, the former Union telecom minister Dayanidhi Maran owned Sun TV network is facing some tough times, with the Enforcement Directorate (ED) deciding to close down on the Marans for their alleged involvement in the Aircel-Maxis case.
This in turn has impacted the share price of Sun TV on the bourses. The company’s share prices slumped over 9.44 per cent and closed at Rs 411 on 6 April at the Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE), this against the previous close at Rs 453.85. On the National Stock Exchange (NSE), the scrip fell 10 per cent closing at Rs 410.40 as against its previous close of Rs 456.
The market has reacted to the steps taken by the ED, which had issued an order to attach properties and assets worth Rs 742.58 crore belonging to Kalanithi Maran, his wife Kaveri Kalanithi and his brother Dayanidhi Maran.
The ED’s investigation has revealed that Sun Direct TV Pvt Ltd (SDTPL) is promoted by Kalanithi Maran and Kaveri Kalanithi and they own 80 per cent of its shares. The shareholders of South Asia FM Ltd (SAFL) are Sun TV Network (60 per cent) and 20 per cent each are A.H. Multisoft Pvt Ltd and South Asia Multimedia Technologies Ltd., Mauritius. Kalanithi also holds 75 per cent of Sun TV Network Limited, while he and his wife own 90 per cent and 10 per cent respectively of Kal Comm Pvt. Ltd.
According to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), Dayanidhi Maran used his influence, while he was the Union telecom minister to help a Malaysian businessman, T. Ananda Krishnan, buy Aircel by pressurizing its owner C. Sivasankaran to part with his stake.
Sivasankaran has also alleged that Dayanidhi favoured the Maxis Group in the takeover of his firm. He also said that the company made investments through Astro Network in a firm, purportedly owned by the Marans.
As per reports, four companies, including the Chennai based Sun Direct, Britain based Astro All Asia Networks, Malaysia based Maxis Communications Berhad and the South Asia Entertainment Holdings of Mauritius, have also been named in charges filed on 29 August, 2014 by the CBI.
The CBI said there was sufficient evidence to prosecute the accused and booked all the accused on the charges of criminal conspiracy under the Indian Penal Code (IPC) as well as the provisions of the Prevention of Corruption Act.
NEW DELHI: Hamdard Laboratories gathered a cross-section of India’s achievers in New Delhi on Friday, handing out the Hakeem Abdul Hameed Excellence Awards to figures who have left their mark across healthcare, education, sport, public service and the arts.
The ceremony, attended by minister of state for defence Sanjay Seth and senior officials from the ministry of Ayush, celebrated individuals whose work blends professional success with a sense of public purpose. It was as much a roll call of achievement as it was a reminder that influence is not measured only in profits or podiums, but in people reached and lives improved.
Among the headline awardees was Alakh Pandey, founder and chief executive of PhysicsWallah, recognised for turning affordable digital learning into a mass movement. On the sporting front, Arjuna Awardee and kabaddi player Sakshi Puniya was honoured for her contribution to the game and for pushing women’s participation onto bigger stages.
The cultural spotlight fell on veteran lyricist and poet Santosh Anand, whose songs have echoed across generations of Hindi cinema. At 97, Anand accepted the honour with characteristic humility, reflecting on a life shaped by perseverance and hope.
Healthcare honours spanned both modern and traditional systems. Manoj N. Nesari was recognised for strengthening Ayurveda’s place in national and global health frameworks. Padma shri Mohammed Abdul Waheed was honoured for his research-backed work in Unani medicine, while padma shri Mohsin Wali received recognition for his long-standing contribution to patient-centred care.
Education and social development also featured prominently. Padma shri Zahir Ishaq Kazi was honoured for decades of work in education, while former Meghalaya superintendent of Police T. C. Chacko was recognised for public service. Goonj founder Anshu Gupta received an award for his dignity-centred rural development initiatives, and the Hunar Shakti Foundation was honoured for empowering women and young girls through skill development.
The Lifetime Achievement Award went to former IAS officer Shailaja Chandra for her long career in public healthcare and governance, particularly in the traditional systems under Ayush.
Speaking at the event, Hamdard chairman Abdul Majeed said the awards were a tribute to those who combine excellence with empathy. “These awardees reflect Hakeem Sahib’s belief that healthcare, education and public service must ultimately serve humanity,” he said.
Minister Seth struck a forward-looking note, saying India’s young population gives the country a unique opportunity to become a global destination for learning, health and wellness by 2047.
The ceremony also featured the trailer launch of Unani Ki Kahaani, an upcoming documentary starring actor Jim Sarbh, set to premiere on Discovery on 11 February.
Instituted in memory of Unani scholar and educationist Hakeem Abdul Hameed, the awards have grown into a national platform that celebrates those building a more inclusive and resilient India. For one evening at least, the spotlight was not just on success, but on service with substance.
