Speaking to India Today TV, Karti Chidambaram challenged investigative authorities to file chargesheet in the INX Media case if they have evidence against him.
Karti Chidambaram, son of former finance minister P Chidambaram, in an exclusive interview with India Today TV challenged the Enforcement Directorate (ED) and Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) to file a chargesheet against him if they have any evidence.
On being asked about the allegations of investigative agencies over his benami properties and bank accounts in foreign countries, Karti said, “They have named some exotic locations. I am Member of Parliament, if they so much evidence against me, then why don’t they file a chargesheet? I have declared my assets in my affidavit before filing for nomination.”
The ED has also alleged that Karti, through a maze of shell companies, diverted and routed money which was kickbacks received for getting FIPB approvals for at-least 6 firms. One of the shell companies, according to ED, is Advantage Strategic Consultancy Private Limited (ASCPL).
ED alleged that ASCPL paid for Karti Chidambaram’s food bills during foreign visits, hotels stay in 2014, Wimbledon ticket and Fifa tickets in 2013. Reacting to the allegations, Karti said, “I do have friends and if my friends have made payments for me, it does not mean that I am associated to their companies or I own their companies. These are baseless allegations.”
According to sources, the ED is all set move Supreme Court against Karti Chidambaram for an early hearing against Delhi HC’s mandated protection to him. This was revealed in ED’s affidavit in the INX bribery case. Last year, the Delhi HC had asked ED not to arrest Karti.
Karti, however, refused to comment on the on-going hearing related to the plea filed by former finance minister P Chidambaram through his lawyers.
The CBI alleged that their investigation and the ‘conditional’ confessional statement of Indrani Mukerjea indicate that Karti arranged a meeting with then finance minister and his father P Chidambaram to get the necessary FIPB approvals in INX media.
It has been alleged that to set-up a meeting, Rs 10 lakh was paid to ASCPL as kickbacks. However, Karti told India Today TV that it is a false allegation.
“I have never ever met Indrani Mukharjea in my life, the allegations of Rs 10 lakh bribe is absolutely nonsense. I have told the CBI and ED in my statement earlier.”
Karti’s father, P Chidambaram, is in custody of Central Bureau of Investigation till August 30.
The Supreme Court is yet to decide on the plea filed by Chidambaram to grant him anticipatory bail from arrest in connection to the money laundering case being investigated by ED.
The ED has opposed the former finance minister’s bail plea and demanded custodial interrogation of P Chidambaram.
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