- CBI briefed the media after conducting raids at P Chidambaram’s Chennai residence.
Searches are still underway, hard disks, mails are under scrutiny, the CBI said.
- The raids are purportedly related to a 2007-08 case of FIPB approval given to INX media at the behest of Chidambaram’s son, Karti
- An FIR has been filed against Karti, Indrani and Peter Mukerjea, who owned INX media
- Chidambaram has accused the Centre of trying to silence his voice and of targeting his son
I Will Stand Vindicated One Day: Karti Chidambaram
Late after the CBI raids were conducted in the Chidambaram residence, Karti Chidambaram whom the CBI has accused of criminal conspiracy told the media that the charges levelled against him are “bogus”.
They’re unleashing every tool available to them. First it was the, ED, then it’s the Income Tax Department, now it’s the CBI. There’s nothing of substance. It’s all completely bogus. I have never ever interfered in the matters of the Govt of India. I will stand vindicated one day.
He vowed to fight the matter both legally and politically.
CBI Briefs Media After Raids
After conducting raids at Karti Chidambaram’s residence, the CBI in a media briefing said that INX Media and Karti Chidambaram were found to be involved in criminal conspiracy after investigation.
CBI Joint Director VVinayak said:
CBI registered a case under charges of conspiracy, taking gratification, in order, by corrupt or illegal means to influence public, cheating and misuse of official position against five named individuals and entities from FIPB and those involved in granting approval to the contract to INX media limited in the year 2007.
INX media run by its directors Indrani Mukerjea and Peter Mukerjea who are currently in jail, was allegedly found to seek Karti’s service to circumvent the Foreign Investment Promotion Board queries. Additionally, the Revenue Department’s probe request was ignored due to Karti’s influence.
The CBI also alleged that fallacious investment proposals were cleared by the then Finance Minister.
Searches still are underway, and hard disks, mails belonging to Karti are still under scrutiny, the CBI said.
I can only say that all lawful steps will be taken in due course of time. We have set process of investigation in motion; all people whose involvement comes forth will be investigated.
P Chidambaram evaded questions posed by reporters outside Karnataka High Court, after the CBI conducted raids at his residence in Chennai, and locations of Karti Chidambaram.