Karti Chidambaram hearing updates: Court extends CBI custody by 3 days; next hearing on 9 March at 2 pm

P Chidambaram and Nalini outside Patiala House Court

P Chidambaram and Nalini Chidambaram outside Delhi's Patiala House Court. #KartiChidambram has been sent to 3 more days of CBI Custody by Special CBI Court in #INXMediaCase. pic.twitter.com/u7Lx18TFcD

— ANI (@ANI) March 6, 2018

I-T said Karti spent Rs 3.3 crore on US property

I-T claims that Karti spent Rs 3.3 crore on US property and bought assets with the INX bribe money. Sources say Karti will be prosecuted under black money laws, CNN-News 18 reported. CBI said original will that gave firm to Karti’s minor daughter was missing.

Karti’s CBI custody extended to 3 days, next hearing on 9 March at 2 pm

Court to declare order on Karti Chidambaram shortly

ASG Tushar Mehta asks people to wait for verdict

I have nothing to say. Let's wait for the Court's order: Additional Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, counsel for CBI #INXMediaCase pic.twitter.com/IR0l0jQGE8

— ANI (@ANI) March 6, 2018

Karti not a terrorist with bomb**, says Singhvi**

Singhvi’s last argument was Karti is not a terrorist with a bomb that he cannot be interrogated without keeping him in custody.

CBI gave no reasons but kept repeating ‘we have to interrogate’: Singhvi

CBI gave no reasons but kept repeating orally that we have to interrogate. Court will pronounce judgement at around 4:30 pm today: A Singhvi, #KartiChidambram's lawyer in #INXMediaCase pic.twitter.com/nSSyrugy62

— ANI (@ANI) March 6, 2018

Argued CBI hasn't given a single ground or written a single reason in its application for further remand. #KartiChidambram only had a 25-minute long confrontation with Indrani Mukerjea &around 2 hrs long interrogation in last 5 days & there is no need of further custody:A Singhvi pic.twitter.com/38Lm70RSH1

— ANI (@ANI) March 6, 2018

Singhvi says it comes to 3 factors of flight risk, direct tampering of evidence and non-cooperation 

Abhishek Manu Singhvi argues, “It comes down to three factors: flight risk, direct tampering of evidence and non-cooperation. This non-cooperation is not by way of answers given but by way of not submitting before the court.”

Delhi court reserves order

While the Patiala House Court has reserved the order on Karti’s bail application, we will come to know if he will get bail or not at 4.30 pm.

War of words going on between Mehta and Singhvi

AM Singhvi says #CBI is baying for blood of his client #KartiChidambaram.
ASG Tushar Mehta rebuts, saying he can show proof of destruction of evidence. Hearing underway. @SubhajitSG @droynews18

— News18 Courtroom (@News18Courtroom) March 6, 2018

Karti can be interrogated without keeping him under custody, says Singhvi

Speaking in the court, Karti’s lawyer Abhishek Mnau Singhvi argues, “None of the conditions by CBI is such that it could not be meet without Karti in custody. It can be done by interrogating, summoning or calling him from 9 am to 6 pm. How is their investigation hampered by not having him in custody ? Singhvi continues, “Mehta is not forwarding material to the judge but is giving his personal opinion or subjective notes which is not credible or relevant . Such notes cannot be the basis to keep me in custody.”

Singhvi counters CBI’s claim, says on behalf of Karti, “If I am silent, that does not mean I am non-cooperative”

Abhishek Singhvi, lawyer of #KartiChidambram in #INXMediaCase counters CBI's claim that Karti is not co-operating & is being evasive and said "I am not in the custody to answer what you want. If I am silent, that does not mean I am evasive and non cooperative"

— ANI (@ANI) March 6, 2018

Karti not cooperating with CBI

New revelations have come up in INX Media case which can’t be disclosed and Karti is not cooperating, PTI quoted CBI as telling the court.

Strong arguments going on in court

I am objecting to their bail application reiterates ASG Mehta. #KartiChidambaram #INXMediaCase @barandbench

— Chandan Goswami (@packagecovered) March 6, 2018

Tushar Mehta speaks in the court

Key accused Indrani Mukherjea’s statement is just one of the evidences, says Additional Solicitor General Tushar Mehta.

Singhvi slams CBI move to keep Karti in custody

NDTV reports Karti Chidambaram’s lawyer Abhishek Manu Singhvi as saying that " This is a malafide attempt to keep Karti Chidambaram in custody. Tomorrow the CBI may cite more reasons demanding extended custody,"

Karti seated with CBI officials in Patiala House Court

According to NDTV, Karti Chidambaram is seated on the left side of the room along with the CBI officials for the hearing. His parents are present at the other side.

CBI says Karti Chidambaram not cooperating

In the last four days, there has been substantial progress. It is based on this that CBI seeks nine days remand. CBI says that Karti is not cooperating, adds that he is playing the victim card.

ASG Tushar Mehta makes his remarks

Tushar Mehta says, “Our investigation is not just about the 164 statements of Indrani. We have more evidence.” He asks asks the judge to read a few paragraphs from the documents given earlier in a sealed envelope. “We have recorded the confrontation with Indrani as well which if the judge wants we can put it in front of you,” he continues. Mehta adds that some development happened on Monday which has not been told in open court.

Hearing begins

Hearing has begun now. Tushar Mehta tenders unconditional apology for the delay.

The situation right now

CBI will file a reply seeking two weeks time to respond. Karthi has filed for bail in Patiala House Court. The plea was filed on Monday. Karti has said that he will be co-operating with the investigation agencies. On the bail application, CBI will file an application seeking 2 weeks to respond. Apart from that. CBI has moved application seeking further 9 days custody.

Karti’s lawyer Kapil Sibal says no arrest possible 

Senior Congress leader and lawyer Kapil Sibal, who is representing Karti Chidambaram in the case, told the bench on Tuesday that Karti Chidambaram should not be arrested since there is no FIR by the Enforcement Directorate, NDTV reporrted.

Recap: Karti’s parents  P Chidambaram and Nalini Chidambaram reached Patiala House Court

Delhi: P Chidambaram reaches Patiala House court ahead of hearing against #KartiChidambaram in #INXMediaCase pic.twitter.com/UvPGPRfuJK

— ANI (@ANI) March 6, 2018

Delhi: Nalini Chidambaram reaches Patiala House court ahead of hearing against #KartiChidambaram in #INXMediaCase pic.twitter.com/HUIzud6kzF

— ANI (@ANI) March 6, 2018

Indrani Mukerjea claims on camera that businessman demand $1 mn from her

Former media executive Indrani Mukerjea has reportedly claimed that Karti Chidambaram demanded $1 million from her, and that she paid him a part of this sum, at a hotel in New Delhi last year. After Firstpost reported on this allegation on 28 February, a confessional video, accessed by Times Now, depicts Indrani making the same allegation, adding that she “doesn’t care” about her credibility being questioned by Karti, or his father, former finance minister P Chidambaram, because she recorded her testimony before a magistrate under section 164 of the CrPC. Mukerjea, according to the on-camera revelation released by Times Now, also claimed that she met P Chidambaram in his North Block office.

CBI cites enormity of the case for seeking extension

#INXMediacase: CBI said that considering the enormity of the offence involved and possibility of the investigation being required to be expended.

— ANI (@ANI) March 6, 2018

Income Tax tightening its noose around Karti Chidambaram

According to the Income Tax department, Karti Chidambaram used the money that he received as bribe from Indrani Mukherjee to buy property in the United States. 

#EXCLUSIVE -- CNN-News18 accesses I-T paper trail of Karti Chidambaram's money. I-T issued notice to Chidambaram's family in 2017. Notices on acquisitions on U.S via Karti-linked firm | @Ashish_Mehrishi with more details pic.twitter.com/1uXmB7PbaE

— News18 (@CNNnews18) March 6, 2018

Confusion over the days sought for custody

While the CBI has sought an extension of custody of Karti Chidambaram, there is confusion over the number of days. While Bar & Bench is reporting that the apex investigation agency has demanded an extension of six days, Live Law is reporting seven days. CNN-News18, on the other hand, is stating that the CBI is seeking 9-day custody of Karti.

Karti likely to move Delhi High Court if denied bail

CBI to seek eight days more of custodial interrogation of Karti Chidambaram in INX Media case. But Karti looks to seek bail, and is likely to move Delhi High Court if denied this relief. CBI wants the hearing in post-lunch session.

CBI cites joint interrogation of Karti and Indrani

News18 reports that CBI cited the joint interrogation of Karti and Indrani Mukerjea of INX Media to extend the custody of the businessman. Appearing for Karti, Abhishek Manu Singhvi, who also happens to be a senior Congress leader, stressed on personal liberty.

CBI court to hear the #INXMediaCase at 2PM now.#CBI cites joint interrogation of #KartiChidambaram with Indrani Mukerjea.
Karti' lawyer AM Singhvi presses for personal liberty. @SubhajitSG @droynews18 https://t.co/6Qc8iFZvtF

— News18 Courtroom (@News18Courtroom) March 6, 2018

Supreme Court next hearing on Karti’s plea seeking protection from arrest on 8 March

Supreme Court also sought response from the Enforcement Directorate on Karti Chidambaram’s fresh plea seeking protection from arrest. The top court lists matter for hearing on 8 March.

ED’s action ‘serious infringment of fundamental rights’, says Karti

In the petition, Karti said the ED’s action is “the serious infringement of the Petitioner’s fundamental right to live with dignity guaranteed under Article 21 read with Articles 14 and 19 of the Constitution of India.”

Supreme Court refuses interim relief for Karti

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Supreme Court issued notice to Enforcement Directorate for quashing of all criminal proceedings initiated against him under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) by the Enforcement Directorate in connection with FIPB approval for Aircel-Maxis and INX Media in 2006 and 2007.

The Bench headed by Chief Justice Dipak Misra has refused to grant interim protection to Karti from arrest by ED Senior Advocate Kapil Sibal,who appeared for Karti said Karti will be arrested by ED once the CBI custody is over (Toda). He submitted that it is the same transactions for which, his client is in CBI custody presently and ED can’t investigate him without any FIR.

CBI demands 8-day custody of Karti

#INXMediaCase: CBI has moved an application seeking extension of remand for #KartiChidambaram -ANI

— Live Law (@LiveLawIndia) March 6, 2018

Updates for 6 March begin

CBI not caged parrot but  “singing parrot” of govt:  Kapil Sibal

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The arrest of Karti Chidambaram by the CBI in the INX media case shows that the Indian investigating agencies are no longer caged parrots but “a singing parrot” of the government, senior Congress leader Kapil Sibal said.

The senior advocate, who has been representing Karti in the legal battle before the Supreme Court, said this was a case of “pure vendetta” as the CBI was helpless and had to take refuge of a statement by Indrani Mukerjea, an accused charged with murdering her own daughter.

Watch: Karti Chidambaram being taken out of court

#WATCH #KartiChidambaram leaves from Patiala House Court, he has been sent to CBI custody till 6th March. #INXMediacase pic.twitter.com/GpStX0rx0C

— ANI (@ANI) March 1, 2018

P Chidambaram maintains stoic silence all through today; ‘I’ll be vindicated,’ shouts Karti Chidambaram

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Karti Chidambaram, who was directly taken into CBI custody until 6 March as soon as the court pronounced its order, shouted across to the media that he will be vindicated, NDTV reported. Meanwhile, his father P Chidambaram maintained a stoic silence, as media personals hurled questions at him, both on his way in and out to the court.

Karti allowed to wear gold chains in custody but no to home food; can see lawyers twice a day

The CBI officials wanted Karti Chidambaram to remove the gold chains he is wearing, when in custody, but he expressed his reluctance to do so. His lawyer told the court that he wears them for religious reasons. At this point the judge had to interfere and ask both parties to not spar on trivial things and proceed with the investigation, NDTV reported. Moreover, Karti’s request to be allowed to have home food was turned down. 

Special judge Sunil Rana allows custodial interrogation of #KartiChidambaram for 5 days. #Karti will be produced in court next on March 6.
Karti's lawyer can meet him for 1 hour in morning, 1 hour in evening. Medicines are allowed but not home food. @droynews18 @SubhajitSG

— News18 Courtroom (@News18Courtroom) March 1, 2018

Karti Chidambaram remanded to CBI custody till 6 March

Karti, CBI officials’ snap at each other over use of language

When Karti Chidambaram spoke to his friend in Tamil, CBI officials stopped him and asked him to speak in English;
Karti replied “if that’s the case, even you guys should speak in English with each other when am there”
CBI official “You are in custody, not us “ ! #LanguageWar

— Arvind Gunasekar (@arvindgunasekar) March 1, 2018

Court remands Karti Chidambaram to 5 day CBI custody

CBI based arguments on new evidence previously undhared with us: Karti Chidambaram’s lawyers

Karti Chidambaram’s lawyer Abhishek Manu Singhvi told the press that the CBI failed to prove how the bribe money allegedly travelled, or to provide remittance for the so called pay offs. “Matter has ended on fact that CBI is referring to large volumes of material not shared with us. But we’ve been able to show there is no case. Now we are leaving the matter to court,” Singhvi said.

Recap: Karti Chidambaram accused of accepting pay offs in return of govt clearance for FDI in INX media

Karti Chidambaram is accused of seeking government clearance for foreign investments worth around Rs. 300 crore in television company INX Media in exchange for bribes back in 2007, when his father P Chidambaram was the Union finance minister.

Court reserves order on Karti Chidambaram’s bail plea

Now order reserved! The holi eve ordeal continues https://t.co/r129wU51WY

— Subhajit Sengupta (@SubhajitSG) March 1, 2018

Court allows Karti to meet parents, P Chidambaram, Nalini Chidambaram in court

 Special Judge Sunil Rana, who is hearing the demand of the agency seeking Karti’s 14 days custodial interrogation, allowed him to meet his father P Chidambaram and mother Nalini Chidambaram inside courtroom in the presence of investigating officer. The order is expected shortly.

‘No flight risk, tampering with evidence, or non-cooperation’ Singhvi on CBI’s demand for custody

Pointing out that the legal basis to grant remand, or deny bail are mainly three threats, Singhvi said that Karti CHidambaram was neither at a flight risk, nor could the CBI prove any tampering of evidence, and there is no non-cooperation. 

He said that Karti has appeared before the agency whenever he was called and therefore there is no basis for arrest or custody.

Hearing in case ends, court reserves order

The special court hearing Karti Chidambaram’s bail plea and the CBI’s request to a 14-day remand has reserved its order on both these issues. The order is expected shortly.

Can’t rely on statements of those charged under murder: Abhishek Manu Singhvi

**"**How can CBI now cite statements of a couple (Indrani Mikerjea and Peter Mukerjea) which is being prosecuted by the same agency in Sheena Bora murder case and also in INX Media Case? You can’t rule out they roped in Chidambarams in INX Media Case to seek certain favours in lieu of it," Singhvi argued.

‘Karti not linked to companies under lens, invoices without payment useless’: Abhishek Manu Singhvi argues in court

Abhishek Manu Singhvi told the court that the companies under lens for financial irregularities are not linked to Karti Chidambaram or any of his businesses. He also said that the CBI was only floating empty invoices for the benefit of the media. “Mere empty invoices, without proof of any payment being recieved is useless,” Singhvi claimed.

Congress flags other banking scams in presser, says govt allowed Jatin Mehta, wife to flea India

Jatin Mehta and his wife conveniently fled from India, gave up Indian citizenship on 2nd June, 2016 and settled down as citizens of International Tax Heaven, St. Kitts and Nevis in the Caribbean with whom Government has no extradition treaty: Randeep Surjewala, Congress pic.twitter.com/ZAiFV6FLcU

— ANI (@ANI) March 1, 2018

Indrani’s statement sole basis of arrest, says Abhishek Manu Singhvi 

Abhishek Manu Singhvi said in court that the that the agency has failed to produce any new facts in the case, from what it had in May 2017 when the case was first registered. He said that the sole basis of arrest was Indrani Mukerjea’s statement, which he said was accepted in whispers inside the court.

Congress addresses press, slams Narendra Modi govt for silence on scams 

“Loot and scoot appears to be the modus operandi of thugs under this government,” Randeep Surjewala said while addressing a press conference while the court was hearing the bail plea of Karti Chidambaram. 

The party flagged the several banking scams unearthed recently and questioned the government’s silence and inability to bring back absconding accused. 

Khaunga, aur khane dunga, aur pack karke le jane dunga. Lagta hai ye sarkaar ka naya nara ho gaya hai: Randeep Surjewala, Congress pic.twitter.com/yQQtUpTLcO

— ANI (@ANI) March 1, 2018

CBI claims it has clear evidence against Karti Chidambaram

There is clear evidence of links between Karti Chidambaram and various companies, the CBI told the court. “We have emails and invoices indicating money was given to Advantage Strategic Consultancy Private Limited (ASCPL) in the time period when INX media received favours,” CBI said claiming that all the companies could be traced back to Karti’s businesses.

ED officials also present in court

CBI didn’t issue single summon to Karti since August 2017: Singhvi

Times Now reported that Singhvi told the court that the investigative agency has not issued a single summon to Karti after August 2017. The veteran lawyer and Congress leader asked that if tCBI felt that Karti was non-cooperative, they could have issued fresh summons. “Why did they not do so,” he asked. 

He then answered his question by saying that CBI didn’t summon him because they did not have anything to ask.

Abhishek Manu Singhvi begins argument, calls it a bizarre case

Singhvi, arguing in favour of Karti Chidambaram, called the case built up CBI bizarre. He said that the agency is making deliberate attempt to prejudice the court with half-baked facts, NDTV reported_._

Meanwhile… Court reserves order on bail plea of Karti’s CA 

Delhi’s Patiala House Court has reserved its order on the bail plea of Karti Chidambaram’s chartered accountant. He will stay in jail till 7 March. There are reports that the CBI wants to jointly grill Karti and his CA to match up claims made by the two.

Additional solicitor general Tushar Mehta appears for CBI in court, denies political vendetta

Mehta, appearing in court on behalf of the CBI has argued that the agency is going plainly by evidence and that there is no political vendetta driving the case against Karti.

P Chidambaram present in court

Karti’s mother Nalini Chidambaram, who is also a senior advocate, was also seen sitting with him in the court. Senior advocate Abhishek Manu Singhvi is leading the team of advocates for Karti.

FIPB Board members who cleared INX deal also to be grilled by CBI: CNN-News18

CBI says couldn’t question Karti, he spent last night in hospital

According to media reports, CBI lawyers have argued that the agency could not question Karti Chidambaram yesterday, when he was remanded to a 1-day custody, as he got admitted to a hospital and evaded questioning. The agency has now asked court to extend his remand.

Want to jointly grill Karti, his CA, says CBI

According to Times Now, CBI sources have said they want to jointly grill Karti Chidambaram and his CA to match the disparities in their statements and confront onw with the claims made by the others. The investigation agency has sought a 14-day remand of the veteran Congress leader’s son.

CBI seeks 14-day custody of Karti Chidambaram

According to CNN-News18, the CBI has argued in the case that Karti Chidambaram is not cooperating in probe and has been repeatedly going out of the country, making it difficult for the agency to interrogate him. The agency has sought 14-day custody of the former finance minister’s son basis this argument. 

However, Singhvi has previously also argued that Karti has been based out of India and has always answered CBI summons. This leaves no room for an arrest, the lawyer had argued.

Hearing on Karti Chidambaram’s bail plea begins

P Chidambaram met Abhishek Manu Singhvi before hearing: India Today

Former finance minister P Chidambaram and Karti’s lawyer Abhishek Manu Singhvi met just before the hearing at the latter’s residence, India Today reported. The news channel said that the two Congressmen thrashed out a strategy to counter CBI’s case against Karti.

P Chidambaram will be joining his soon in CBI custody: Subramanian Swamy

Speaking to CNN-News18, Subramanian Swamy said that he would give Indrani Mukerjea’s statement weight because the CBI also has other collateral evidence to support it. He also said that he expects that former finance minister P Chidambaram will soon be taken into CBI custody for interrogation before the end of this month.

Congress leader and Karti’s lawyer Abhishek Manu Singhvi reaches Patiala court, flashes victory sign 

#KartiChidambaram's counsel Abhishek Manu Singhvi arrives at Delhi's Patiala House Court for hearing in #INXMediaCase pic.twitter.com/AUugbR63s6

— ANI (@ANI) March 1, 2018

P Chidambaram might be questioned, say CBI sources

According to CNN-News18, former finance minister P Chidambaram may be questioned by the CBI. Quoting CBI sources, the report said that he may be interrogated in the FIPB clearance case.

WATCH: Karti Chidambaram arrives at Patiala House Court

#WATCH Delhi: #KartiChidambaram being taken to Patiala House Court for hearing in INX Media case, remains silent on questions from ANI pic.twitter.com/HysemG95m7

— ANI (@ANI) March 1, 2018

Ahead of Karti’s hearing, security beefed up around Patiala House court complex

Ahead of Karti Chidambaram's hearing in INX Media case, security beefed up outside Patiala House Court, Delhi #KartiDDayToday pic.twitter.com/pfuUMK9hHP

— TIMES NOW (@TimesNow) March 1, 2018

Karti Chidambaram reaches Patiala House court complex

Meanwhile, former finance minister P Chidambaram and lawyer Abhishek Manu Singhvi, have left for the Patiala House court complex, reported CNN-News18.

Lawyers Dayan Krishnan, Mohit Mathur to defend Karti Chidambaram today

INX Media case: Battery of top lawyers including Dayan Krishnan and Mohit Mathur to defend Karti Chidambaram at the CBI special court today #KartiDDayToday pic.twitter.com/N1e6Or0M5k

— TIMES NOW (@TimesNow) March 1, 2018

CBI is doing its job, says Home Minister Rajnath Singh

CBI is a credible investigating agency, it is doing its job and I don't want to comment further: Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh on Karti Chidambaram's arrest #Assam pic.twitter.com/vjej93JOmu

— ANI (@ANI) March 1, 2018

How can you trust Indrani Mukherjea, asks Tamil Nadu Congress

Around 200 Congress leaders held protests in Chennai on Thursday, raising slogans against the BJP over Karti Chidambaram’s arrest, reported News18 . Questioning teh truth behind Indrani Mukherjea’s statement implicating Karti and his father P Chidambaram, Congress leader Peter Alphonse said: “How can you trust the statement of Indrani Mukerjea? Her mental status is questionable. She has been in jail for two years. Her statement is questionable in court of law. This is a case of political vendetta.”

CBI FIR under which Karti Chidambaram was arrested on Wednesday

Here is the CBI FIR under which Karti Chidambaram was arrested. @PChidambaram_IN @KartiPC pic.twitter.com/MqEnlyum8x

— Bar & Bench (@barandbench) February 28, 2018

P Chidambaram is at lawyer Abhishek Manu Singhvi’s house ahead of hearing at 2 pm, reports CNN-News18

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Ahead of Karti Chidambaram’s hearing on Thursday at the Patiala House court complex, former finance minister P Chidambaram is reportedly at lawyer Abhishek Manu Singhvi’s house, according to CNN-News18.

Senior lawyer and Additional Solicitor General Tushar Mehta to represent CBI

According to CNN-News18, senior government lawyer Tushar Mehta will be representing the CBI in Thursday’s hearing.

Karti Chidambaram to be produced before Patiala House Court at 2 pm

P Chidambaram heads to Patiala House court for son Karti’s hearing, reports India Today

Karti’s chartered accountant’s statement is incriminating, say sources

Quoting CBI sources, CNN-News18 reported that the investigative agency is hinging its argument to detain Karti Chidambaram to CBI custody in the INX Media case based on his CA, S Bhaskararaman and Indrani Mukherjea’s statement.

Karti Chidambaram being questioned at CBI headquarters in New Delhi

Karti Chidambaram to be produced at Patiala House court at 12.30 pm

#CBI is producing #KartiChidambaram at Patiala House Court at 12.30 pm today.

— All India Radio News (@airnewsalerts) March 1, 2018

Karti Chidambaram to seek bail today on grounds of being a law abiding citizen

#BREAKING -- Karti Chidambaram to move for bail plea in Patiala House Court today. Bail would be sought on the grounds that he is a law-abiding citizen and he returned to India himself, hence had no apprehension to flee the country. #CBIGetsKarti pic.twitter.com/uTFITYglj5

— News18 (@CNNnews18) March 1, 2018

Congress workers protest in Chennai against Karti Chidambaram’s arrest

#TamilNadu: Congress workers protest in Chennai against #KartiChidambaram's arrest by CBI. pic.twitter.com/aGc5bcdpav

— ANI (@ANI) March 1, 2018

Claiming vendetta isn’t enough; it’s time to substantiate charges with evidence

If one gets into details of the charges against Karti Chidambaram, his arrest will hardly come as a surprise. Instead, it would only look delayed, argues Raghav Pandey in this Firstpost article .

Even principally, such heinous allegations can’t be brushed aside by just terming them “political vendetta”. If at all the Congress party thinks that such actions are a result of a witch-hunt, it is incumbent upon them to come out with a factual rebuttal of the charges. These allegations have been floating in the media for over a year now, and all the Chidambaram father-son duo has done is deny them, instead of actually disproving them.

It is to be understood that a mere denial holds no value in the eyes of law, or for people at large; it should be substantiated with evidence.

Patiala House court to also hear Chartered Accountant S Bhaskararaman’s bail plea

According to  Business Standard , the Patiala Court will also be hearing the bail plea of S Bhaskararaman, Karti’s CA, regarding the same case. He had filed the plea before the court on Wednesday. The Enforcement Directorate had arrested Bhaskararaman from a hotel on 16 February, after which he was sent to judicial custody for 14 days on 26 February, the report added.

Patiala House complex turned into fortress following Karti Chidambaram’s arrest

On Wednesday morning, police in Delhi swung into action following Karti’s arrest in Chennai. The  Patiala House court complex turned into a fortress, reported  India Today . Barricades were put up. Karti’s mother Nalini Chidambaram was also present when her son was brought in. Both were seen in conversation after the arguments concluded.

What Peter and Indrani Mukherjea told ED about Karti Chidambaram

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“In their statement before ED, Peter alias Pratim Mukerjea and Indrani Mukerjea admitted that they had met P Chidambaram in his office in North Block, where Chidambaram told them to help the business of his son Karti, and to make foreign remittances for this purpose. They further admitted to having met Karti Chidambaram in Hotel Hyatt in Delhi, where a demand for illegal gratification of $1 million was made. It was further admitted that Karti Chidambaram suggested the names of Chess Management and Advantage Strategic as alternatives to make payments,” the ED documents accessed by Firstpost said.

The note further pointed out that this fact was also stated by Indrani in a statement recorded by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) before a magistrate under section 164 CrPC where she confirmed payment of $700,000 abroad.

CBI to ask for more time to grill Karti Chidambaram based on Indrani Mukherjea’s claims, reports CNN-News18

Maharashtra Congress flays Narendra Modi govt over Karti Chidambaram’s arrest

The Maharashtra Congress and the party’s Mumbai city unit on Wednesday flayed the arrest of former Union minister P Chidambaram’s son Karti Chidambaram, calling it “political vendetta” and said the Centre was “relying on statements of “habitual liar” Indrani Mukerjea in the matter.

On the other hand, the party said, despite India’s biggest bank loot happening under his watch, Prime Minister Narendra Modi had not answered a single legitimate question on the subject.

“His silence on the entire saga raises serious questions about the role of the Narendra Modi government in the escape of (Punjab National Bank scam accused) Nirav Modi and Mehul Choksi,” Mumbai Congress President Sanjay Nirupam said.

–IANS

No justification to arrest Karti Chidambaram without chargesheet: Lawyer Prashant Bhushan

Though CBI may have evidence against Karti Chidambaram, yet there's no justification to arrest him during investigation, without a charge sheet, since there is no danger of his fleeing the country. This show, while big fish like NiMo, MehulBhai &Mallya are allowed to loot & scoot

— Prashant Bhushan (@pbhushan1) February 28, 2018

RECAP: Karti Chidambaram is not a ‘Hindustan leaver’, says Abhishek Manu Singhvi

Rejecting the CBI claim, senior counsel Abhishek Manu Singhvi said both charges against his client were false. He said Karti appeared before the CBI and Enforcement Directorate for 30-40 hours and cooperated.

Singhvi said after 28 August last year, the CBI never issued summonses and whenever he went abroad he took court permission. He also rejected the charge of possible tampering with the evidence by Karti, saying this was a 10-year-old case based on documents and there was no question of tampering. 

Describing the arrest as “malafide”, Singhvi jocularly remarked that Karti was not a “Hindustan Leaver, but Hindustan Returner” for which he got the reward of arrest at the airport. 

The defence counsel said Karti was ready for any conditions like surrender of passport and remaining within the city apart from marking daily attendance. 

–IANS

RECAP: Karti claims arrest is an act of ‘political vendetta’ by Modi govt

While being taken to the court, Karti said his arrest was an act of political vendetta by the Narendra Modi government.

“Absolutely, political vendetta,” he said and expressed confidence that he will eventually be vindicated.

–IANS

Karti Chidambaram is cooperating with CBI, says Congress leader Ashok Gehlot

Mr Karti Chidambaram was arrested when he landed at Chennai airport, he was not trying to escape from India like Nirav Modi then arresting him on his arrival at airport is funny. Karti Chidambaram was cooperating the CBI, the CBI could have summoned him.

— Ashok Gehlot (@ashokgehlot51) February 28, 2018

Karti Chidambaram remanded to CBI custody till 12.30 pm today

In Delhi, Metropolitan Magistrate Sumit Anand granted the remand till 12.30 pm on Thursday when a regular CBI court will hear the agency that sought a 15-day remand of Karti for detailed questioning.

The CBI counsel told the Duty Magistrate that they needed his custodial interrogation since he was not cooperating with the probe and was going abroad frequently. 

Rejecting the CBI claim, senior counsel Abhishek Manu Singhvi said both charges against his client were false. He said Karti appeared before the CBI and Enforcement Directorate for 30-40 hours and cooperated.

–IANS

Following arrest Karti Chidambaram wanted to fly first class to New Delhi: Report

According to  India Today , Karti Chidambaram demanded he be flown first class to New Delhi after his arrest at Chennai airport on Wednesday morning. However, the CBI was firm that rules only allowed travel by economy class. 

“Karti then tried to persuade Jet Airways to let him use his frequent flyer mileage to get an upgrade. The CBI resisted and managed to get him to fly economy,” a senior agency official told India Today TV.

P Chidambaram cancels Oxford event

Following son Karti’s arrest, senior Congress leader P Chidambaram, who was in England at the time, has cancelled his engagements and returned to New Delhi, reported  Business Standard . Among his engagements was the Oxford Union debate on the motion “This House Regrets the Partition of India” on Thursday evening.

Karti’s arrest comes days after P Chidambaram filed plea in Supreme Court

Karti Chidambaram’s arrest comes after his father and former finance minister P Chidambaram filed a petition in the Supreme Court alleging “continued harassment” of him and his family, reported The Hindu.

Karti Chidambaram to be produced before CBI court today

#KartiChidambaram arrested in INX Media case to be produced before a #CBI court today. pic.twitter.com/x3SbobwbqP

— All India Radio News (@airnewsalerts) March 1, 2018

BJP, Congress spar over Karti Chidambaram’s arrest

The arrest of senior Congress leader P Chidambaram’s son Karti Chidambaram on Wednesday led to a political slugfest between the Congress and the BJP.

While the Congress accused the BJP-led government of indulging in “political vendetta” and using the arrest as a “tactic” to divert attention from banking and other scams, the saffron party rejected the charge, saying there was no interference from the government and the law was taking its own course.

Congress communications in-charge Randeep Surjewala said it was a classic diversionary tactic to hide “corruption scams, mal-governance and mal-administration that have marred this government”.

–PTI

Narendra Modi govt has no answers on Nirav Modi, trying to divert people’s attention: AAP leader

Speaking to CNN-News18, AAP leader Ashutosh said, “The Modi government has no answers on Nirav Modi. Law should be equal to everybody. They are trying to create news so that people’s attention is diverted.”

Karti Chidambaram arrest allows BJP to regain footing after PNB stumble, counter Opposition narrative

For the Narendra Modi government and the BJP, 28 February, 2018, will go down as an important date. For the rank and file, the day’s events gave them something to cheer for and some talking points at a time when things aren’t going the way they wanted.

Four important things happened today which will, yet again, help the BJP go on the offensive against its critics and political rivals . For some time now, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has been taunted by his critics for not keeping his promise of a crackdown against corrupt politicians.

The Punjab National Bank scam, where Nirav Modi and Mehul Choksi fled the country after purportedly swindling Rs 11,400 crore, put the Modi government on the defensive (even though the origins of the scam can be traced back to 2011). In the battle of perception, for the first time, the prime minister appeared to take a bit of a beating.

‘Karti’s arrest comes when nation is after Centre over Nirav Modi’, says AM Singhvi

What a coincidence to have the arrest of #KartiChidambaram at a time when the nation is questioning the Centre on #ChotaModi.

— Abhishek Singhvi (@DrAMSinghvi) February 28, 2018

Karti sent to his rightful place i.e. behind bars, says BJP spokesperson Gaurav Bhatia

The @INCIndia has nothing to say on merits when it comes to #KartiChidambaram 's arrest. The same cacophony of "political vendetta".
Karti moved the Supreme Court and the hard fact is SC refused to stay his arrest.
Karti has been sent to his rightful place I.e. behind bars.

— Gaurav Bhatia गौरव भाटिया 🇮🇳 (@gauravbhatiabjp) February 28, 2018

Indrani Mukherjea claims they paid $7 lakh for FIPB clearance

Karti Chidambaram was arrested by the CBI on Wednesday on the basis of confessional statements of INX Media Limited directors Peter and Indrani Mukerjea, alleging that they paid $7 lakh to him on the instructions of his father P Chidamabaram, as quid pro quo for a FIPB clearance, officials said.

The couple had also admitted that they subsequently met Karti at a five-star hotel in Delhi, where he allegedly made a demand of $1 million, they said, adding that this was reiterated by Indrani before the magistrate as well.

Indrani, they said, had confirmed in her statement to the CBI and ED that a payment of $7 lakh was made to the bank accounts of overseas firms linked to Karti.

BJP takes a dig at Karti Chidambaram

PC Jr: Why did you arrest me? I did not do anything wrong. I was only following my dad's order.

Officer: Don't worry. We don't want to separate a father from his son. He will join you soon.#KartiChidambaram pic.twitter.com/S7aiJPtfV7

— BJP Karnataka (@BJP4Karnataka) February 28, 2018

Karti Chidambaram’s arrest comes nine months after CBI files FIR against him

The arrest of Karti came nine months after the CBI registered a FIR against him on charges of criminal conspiracy, cheating, accepting gratification by corrupt or illegal means, influencing public servants and criminal misconduct. 

After his arrest in Chennai, CBI officials took him to Delhi by afternoon. He was taken to the CBI headquarters and then produced before a Duty Magistrate.

Karti allegedly received Rs 3.5 crore from the Mumbai-based INX Media, now known as 9X Media, for helping it get Foreign Investment Promotion Board (FIPB) clearance in 2007, when it was run by Peter and Indrani Mukerjea, both accused in the Sheena Bora murder case.

–IANS

Karti Chidambaram’s arrest shows Narendra Modi is panicking, says Congress spokesperson Sanjay Jha

The arrest of #KartiChidambaram tells us that Modi Ji is panicking. The political desperation is showing. The nervousness is apparent.

— Sanjay Jha (@JhaSanjay) February 28, 2018

Peter and Indrani Mukerjea implicate former finance minister P Chidambaram

​

The promoter of INX Media Limited Peter and Indrani Mukerjea has named former finance minister P Chidambaram and even told the Enforcement Directorate (ED) sleuths that he had asked them to help out the business of his son Karti Chidambaram during a meeting at North Block.

“In their statement before ED, Peter alias Pratim Mukerjea and Indrani Mukerjea admitted that they had met P Chidambaram in his office in North Block, where Chidambaram told them to help the business of his son Karti, and to make foreign remittances for this purpose. They further admitted to having met Karti Chidambaram in Hotel Hyatt in Delhi, where a demand for illegal gratification of $1 million was made. It was further admitted that Karti Chidambaram suggested the names of Chess Management and Advantage Strategic as alternatives to make payments,” the ED documents accessed by Firstpost said.

Karti Chidambaram’s one-day CBI custody ends today

Former finance minister P Chidambaram’s son Karti’s one-day CBI custody will come to an end on Thursday. The court is set to hear his bail plea on Thursday, reported News18.

Updates for 1 March, 2018 begin here

Cartoon created by Manjul

CBI court sends Karti Chidambaram to one day’s custody

#INXMediaCase : Delhi's Patiala House Court sends #KartiChidambaram to 1 day police custody pic.twitter.com/7gXx3Gmgwu

— ANI (@ANI) February 28, 2018

CBI seeks custody of Karti on grounds of Karti demanding $ 1 million for FIPB clearance

Indrani Mukherjea had named Karti in a statement where she had said Karti had demanded $ 1 million for FIPB clearance.

INX Media case: Earlier Indrani Mukherjea gave statement to CBI that #KartiChidambaram asked for 1 Million dollars for FIPB clearance, and on this ground CBI seeks custody of Karti.

— ANI (@ANI) February 28, 2018

Had it been vindictive it would have happened in the first year of govt, says Ram Madhav

BJP National General Secretary Ram Madhav says, “Law taking its own course, had it been vindictive it would have happened in the first year of our government. It took four years because a due legal process was followed. The agencies followed the process diligently & came to a conclusion.”

CBI will explain all details we don’t wish to interfere, says Ravi Shankar Prasad

Law must take its course. CBI will explain all details we don't wish to interfere. I'll only make one observation, when such issues are raised, what is important is the nature of evidence available against the offender must speak for itself: Ravi Shankar Prasad #KartiChidambaram pic.twitter.com/7L64ytPhke

— ANI (@ANI) February 28, 2018

Karti’s chartered accountant’s bail plea to be heard on Thursday

Karti Chidambaram’s chartered accountant S Bhaskararaman’s bail plea in INX media case to be heard by Delhi court on Thursday, said media reports.

Abhishek Manu Singhvi in court: ‘I am a Hindustan returner’.

I'm not a Hindustan "leaver", I'm a Hindustan returner. Is this less than Ashwathama's half truth in Mahabharata? : Abhishek Manu Singhvi (Counsel for Karti Chidambaram) in Court

— ANI (@ANI) February 28, 2018

P Chidambaram, family had no stake in Advantage Consulting: Randeep Surjewala

P Chidambaram has maintained that neither he nor any of his family member or relations have ever had or have its stake, shareholding or directorship of Advantage Strategic Consulting Pvt Ltd or INX Media Pvt Ltd at any point of time: Randeep Surjewala

P Chidambaram has maintained that neither he nor any of his family member or relations have ever had or have its stake, shareholding or directorship of Advantage Strategic Consulting Pvt Ltd or INX Media Pvt Ltd at any point of time: Randeep Surjewala #KartiChidambaram pic.twitter.com/ALcdzHzCyr

— ANI (@ANI) February 28, 2018

Most bizarre case by CBI: Abhishek Manu Singhvi

Defence lawyer Abhishek Manu Singhvi tells Court that it is the most bizarre case against Karti Chidambaram. The arrest is motivated. He hasn’t been given a single summon in last 6 months and the allegations made by the CBI that he is not cooperating is not true when no summon has been issued after August 2017. Singhvi further says Karti has no connection with the Advantage Strategic Consulting (P) Limited which allegedly received kickbacks and always co-operated with ED and CBI in the case.- ANI

PM and his ministers using political witchhunt and malicious intent to deflect heat from bank scam, says Congress

PM & his ministers using political witch-hunt & malicious intent to deflect heat from bank scam & losses to public exchequer. Political persecution of P Chidambaram & his son by puppet CBI to serve agenda of their political master is nothing but cog in this wheel: R Surjewala pic.twitter.com/cXRDoc0FK8

— ANI (@ANI) February 28, 2018

Out of the blue arrest is made today, 11 years after the so-called incident & after due appearance before CBI & submission of all documents. FIR till today does not mention or name #KartiChidambaram as an accused: Randeep Surjewala pic.twitter.com/ooLAuFBTJ8

— ANI (@ANI) February 28, 2018

Claiming vendetta isn’t enough; it’s time to substantiate charges with evidence

If the investigation agencies are indeed in possession of such evidence, Karti’s arrest should have ideally happened earlier. Another charge by the agencies, that Karti was in the process of destroying evidence, is again very serious, and when proven, will make the accused ineligible for bail. One of the primary grounds for rejection of bail is the destruction of evidence, as has been established in Criminal Law.

Moreover, allegations of a political vendetta by the Opposition against the government are uncalled for and utterly baseless. The criminal justice system of our country also involves the judiciary, and if the arrest or even harassment of the accused is politically motivated, the judiciary will, in all such cases, provide relief. Read more here.

Congress says Centre trying to deflect the heat from unprecedented bank scams

To deflect the heat from unprecedented bank scams political vendetta against @INCIndia is unleashed by Modi govt: @rssurjewala

— Congress Live (@INCIndiaLive) February 28, 2018

CBI demands 15-day remand for Karti Chidambaram 

#CBIGetsKarti -- CBI has sought 15-day custody of #KartiChidambaram: sources pic.twitter.com/hmDuTrMwxt

— News18 (@CNNnews18) February 28, 2018

Meanwhile, P Chidambaram cancels his Oxford lecture

Former finance minister P Chidambaram cancelled his Oxford lecture and is rushing back to India as his wife Nalini flew from Chennai to New Delhi a while ago.

CBI seeks police custody for Karti, claims to have fresh evidence

Karti says, “I have cooperated with the CBI and I’ll be vindicated”

Karti’s arrest was initiated after Indrani Mukerjea’s interrogation

Meanwhile, Chartered Accountant S Bhaskararaman files bail plea in the INX Media case

#KartiChidambaram's Chartered Accountant S Bhaskararaman files bail plea in the INX Media case. Enforcement Directorate had arrested S. Bhaskararaman from a hotel in Delhi on February 16.

— ANI (@ANI) February 28, 2018

Karti Chidambaram brought to CBI court in Delhi

#KartiChidambaram brought to CBI court in Delhi. He was arrested by CBI at Chennai airport earlier today. pic.twitter.com/Zlde9M9GYB

— ANI (@ANI) February 28, 2018

Karti Chidambaram arrives at Patiala House court, calls arrest political vendetta

Ahead of Karti’s arrival, security beefed up outside Patiala House court

#CBIGetsKarti -- #KartiChidambaram to be produced in Patiala House Court shortly. | ground report from outside court: @saahilmenghani pic.twitter.com/ZRjMNvcQQg

— News18 (@CNNnews18) February 28, 2018

Karti Chidambaram leaves CBI headquarters for Patiala House court

Coincidence to have the arrest at a time when the nation is questioning Centre on ‘ChotaModi’: Manu Singhvi

Earlier, Abhishek Manu Singhvi had said it is a coincidence that the arrest happened at a time when the nation is attacking the Centre on ‘ChhotaModi’

Abhishek Manu Singhvi questions the delay in producing Karti in court

Sitting in CBI designated court, room 4 at patiala Hs since 2 pm 2oppose Karti C remand but CBI not produced him yet. Hope they r not waiting for a late evening hearing. Why the delay? They landed frm chennai at 120 pm. No cause for this xcept to go to duty magis post 430 pm.

— Abhishek Singhvi (@DrAMSinghvi) February 28, 2018

Karti Chidambaram to reach Patiala House Court shortly

TMC calls Karti’s arrest political witch-hunt by BJP

BJP will take up the issue of Karti Chidambaram’s arrest in Parliament

Centre has pushed Congress on backfoot, made strong move to regain anti-corruption mojo

Karti Chidambaram’s arrest could be an inflection point in the Bharatiya Janata Party’s (BJP) attempt to regain the narrative against corruption. For a party which came into power on the back of a promise to clean the swamp and take action against the kingpins behind the UPA’s scam-tainted regime, the Narendra Modi government’s four-year stint at the Centre has been quite an anti-climactic experience.

Political sentiments depend on narratives. And narratives more often than not are built on signalling intent rather than actual progress or a patient approach. It is possible that Karti’s arrest was forced by circumstances instead of procedure, but it presents the BJP with the chance to kill two birds with one stone: Regain the anti-corruption mojo and prove that graft breaches generational gap in the Congress. Read more here.

CBI gave him a lot of chances but he continued with his lies, says Subramanian Swamy

CBI gave him a lot of chances but he continued with his lies even after all evidence was presented against him. He will certainly go to jail & charge-sheet will be filed by CBI. This is a great achievement: Subramanian Swamy on #KartiChidambram arrest pic.twitter.com/3GBVig2W9d

— ANI (@ANI) February 28, 2018

Congress leader and Senior Advocate Abhishek Manu Singhvi to represent Karti in INX Media case

INX media case: Congress leader and Senior Advocate Abhishek Manu Singhvi to appear for #KartiChidambaram in Delhi's Patiala House Court later today (file pic) pic.twitter.com/kOZLBqJi8U

— ANI (@ANI) February 28, 2018

Visuals of Karti Chidambaram being taken to Patiala House court

Karti Chidambaram being taken to Delhi's Patiala House Court, he was taken into custody by CBI, earlier today, in connection with the INX media case. pic.twitter.com/tOOwNVX8mh

— ANI (@ANI) February 28, 2018

Karti Chidambaram’s profile

Karti Chidambaram leaves Delhi airport

Karti has left the Delhi airport and is now on his way to the Patiala House court, reports CNN-News18. CBI will ask for at least a five-day custody.

Karti Chidambaram to be brought to Patiala Court at 2:15 pm

#BREAKING - Karti Chidambaram to be brought to Patiala Court at 2:15 PM #CBIGetsKarti. pic.twitter.com/NbxlMFSutq

— News18 (@CNNnews18) February 28, 2018

Karti lands in Delhi

Karti Chidambaram has landed in Delhi, according to Times Now. CBI cars are waiting in which he will be taken to Patiala House court.

Focus of CBI’s remand application is that once Chess Management was hired, rules were made for his ‘services’

Once Chess Management was hired, rules were made for his 'services', Karti management company was paid Rs 10 lakh. This will be the focus of remand application: CBI Sources

— ANI (@ANI) February 28, 2018

P Chidambaram refuses to take any questions on son Karti Chidambaram’s arrest

#EXCLUSIVE -- P Chidambaram refuses to take any questions on son Karti Chidambaram's arrest in the INX Media money laundering case. #CBIGetsKarti pic.twitter.com/RU5lX0Mtu8

— News18 (@CNNnews18) February 28, 2018

Full text of FIR against INX Media, Karti Chidambaram

​

Click here to access the full text of the FIR.

Karti’s parents silent on arrest

Both P Chidambaram as well as Nalini Chidambaram have refused to answer any questions about Karti’s arrest, reported CNN-News18 and India Today.

How Karti was arrested

After detaining Karti Chidambaram for close to an hour, the CBI team obtained a transit warrant in a city court, Karti, was then flown to Delhi by 10.40 am in a Jet airways flight for further probe.

He was arrested for his alleged involvement in granting Foreign Investment Promotion Board (FIPB) clearance to INX Media case.

According to reports, Karti had gone to London with permission of the court and returned this morning by 7.40 am. He had finished his immigration formalities at the Chennai airport when he was detained by CBI at the international arrival lounge. He was quickly taken to a secluded place for further questioning

Enforcement Directorate looks for Karti’s wealth in Monaco

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) probing into Karti  Chidambaram case is seeking details of certain companies based in Monaco, a tax haven country of Western Europe. According to sources the Letter Rogatory (LR) was sent after the agency had unearthed leads during the probe of companies linked to Karti and his associates. India has tax information exchange agreement with Monaco for sharing banking and ownership information about the companies.

CBI alleges that Karti Chidambaram used various means to influence INX Group’s FIPB approval

Based on the clarifications issued by Karti Chidambaram’s Chess Management Services Private Limited, INX Media Private Limited on 26 June, 2008 tried to justify its actions on (i) the unapproved and unauthorised downstream investment that INX Media falsely claimed was in accordance with the approval, and (ii) the excess inflow received, which was justified as the premium received against the shares issued.

No takers for Karti’s ‘Aircel’ sim card jokes

Karti Chidambaram had once jokingly said that having an Aircel SIM card is his only involvement in the Aircel-Maxis deal. But, it is unlikely that there will be any takers for his jokes, not just in the Aircel-Maxis case, but likely in other cases too where the father-son duo may have been involved, directly or indirectly.

Nobody is above the law, says BJP’s Sambit Patra

I believe no one should consider oneself above the law of country. If corrupt are being jailed & law is taking its own course, I see no reason why any political party should cry vendetta.This is law,not vendetta: Sambit Patra, BJP on Karti Chidambaram being taken into CBI custody pic.twitter.com/eJkeDo30Kq

— ANI (@ANI) February 28, 2018

Chidambaram’s attempt at politicising son’s arrest won’t work

In 2015, former finance minister P Chidambaram had said in an interview, “If the government wishes to target me, they should do so directly, not harass friends of my son who carry on their own businesses and have nothing to do with politics.” But Chidambaram’s apparent attempt to politicise the issue may not work, since the Congress itself will not want to get involved in the case, given its seriousness and its larger political implications. There is immense pressure on the Narendra Modi government not to lower its guard against corruption.

What is the Aircel-Maxis case?

The bigger trouble in waiting for the Chidambarams may be the Aircel-Maxis case. In a nutshell, the whole story of the Aircel-Maxis case pertains to the forced selling of Aircel in 2006 by its owner entrepreneur C Sivasankaran, allegedly under pressure from former Union telecom minister Dayanidhi Maran. To return the favour, Maxis invested around Rs 47 crore in the Sun Group, owned by Dayanidhi Maran’s brother, Kalanidhi Maran. Karti allegedly facilitated the whole transaction through his firm Advantage Consulting and passed along the bribes.

Karti’s empire spread across many countries

Karti’s empire is spread across several countries, which would also mean several jurisdictions. The Singapore subsidiary of Advantage, Advantage Singapore, has real estate investments in at least 15 countries. But under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), the Enforcement Directorate can expand its probe to any geographies and seek help of international agencies if needed.

What is the value of Karti’s company Advantage’s Wealth?

Advantage India holds 90,000 shares out of the 1.5 lakh equity shares of Vasan Eye Care. The firm procured the shares at a throwaway price of Rs 100 per share. However, the report states that it actually paid only one-third, or Rs 33 per share. It sold 60,000 shares in two tranches of Rs 30,000 to Sequoia Capital Investments, a Mauritius-based investment fund. In the first tranche, 30,000 shares were sold at Rs 7,500 per share or Rs 22.5 crore. Assuming that the second tranche was also sold at the same price and if the balance shares are valued at the same price, then Vasan Eye Care’s share would amount to Rs 112.5 crore that Advantage acquired at a mere Rs 50 lakh, according to the report. Now, that’s quite a killing, isn’t it?

Not the first time agencies have moved against Chidambaram family

This isn’t the first instance in which investigative agencies have moved against the Chidambarams. In April last year, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) had issued a show-cause notice to Karti and a firm purportedly linked to him for alleged violations of the FEMA laws to the tune of Rs 45 crore. Also, the agency also issued a similar notice, after over two years of investigations, to another firm Vasan Health Care Private Limited, which is based in Chennai, for alleged forex violations of Rs 2,262 crore.

BJP denies accusations of political vendetta

The BJP has said laws are taking their own course and the party isn’t involved in the functioning of the investigating agencies or of the judiciary, following accusations of “political vendetta” hurled by the Congress over the arrest of P Chidambaram’s son Karti.

Senior lawyer Prashant Bhushan says there is ’no justification’ to arrest Karti Chidambaram

Though CBI may have evidence against Karti Chidambaram, yet there's no justification to arrest him during investigation, without a charge sheet, since there is no danger of his fleeing the country. This show, while big fish like NiMo, MehulBhai &Mallya are allowed to loot & scoot

— Prashant Bhushan (@pbhushan1) February 28, 2018

Karti’s arrest may complicate things for his father, P Chidambaram

In May last year, the CBI had conducted raids at the Chennai houses of Chidambaram and his son. The raids and the arrest now relates to clearances given to INX Media. Karti allegedly facilitated the clearances for kickbacks in 2008 when Chidambaram was a Union minister in the UPA government. It is here that things become difficult for the top Congress leader. His involvement, direct or indirect, in the case can come under investigations post the arrest of his son.

CBI team, along with Karti Chidambaram, leaves for Delhi from Chennai

#UPDATE: INX Media Case: CBI team, along with Karti Chidambaram, leaves for Delhi from Chennai.

— ANI (@ANI) February 28, 2018

Karti Chidambaram enroute to Delhi

Karti Chidambaram is enroute to Delhi, reports India Today. He will shortly be produced in a Delhi court.

Visuals of Karti Chidambaram at the Chennai airport

Karti Chidambaram at Chennai Airport, he was taken into custody by CBI over INX media case. pic.twitter.com/tyOf2Spfnb

— ANI (@ANI) February 28, 2018

The list of accused people in the case

Congress leader Jaiveer Shergill asks if Karti Chidambaram was not cooperating with investigation then why did the High Court allow him to travel abroad?

We expect more such witch-hunting against the Opposition, says TMC

#NewsAlert - We expect more such witch-hunting against the opposition: TMC Sources #CBIGetsKarti pic.twitter.com/ntCws4vG8I

— News18 (@CNNnews18) February 28, 2018

Who were the foreign investors in INX Media?

1. Dunearn Investment (Mauritius) Pvt Ltd

No of Equity Shares: up to 645447; No of Preference Shares: up to 1344553

Percentage Share Holding on as converted basis: up to 19.900 percent

2. NSR-PE Mauritius LLC

No of Equity Shares:up to 648691; No of Preference Shares: up to 1351309

Percentage Share Holding on as converted basis: up to 20.000 percent

3. New Vernon Pvt Equity Ltd

No of Equity Shares: up to 204857; No of Preference Shares: up to 426743

Percentage Share Holding on as converted basis: up to 6.316 percent

INX Media case’s progress

INX Media sought the approval for engaging in the business of creating operating, managing and broadcasting of bouquet of TV channels including Hindi entertainment channel and multiple vernacular entertainment channels. In its application, the company had also mentioned about its intention to make a downstream financial investment to the extent of 26 percent of the issued and outstanding equity share capital of INX News Private Limited. On 16, March 2007, the FIPB unit forwarded the proposal to various departments of government of India for forwarding their comments on the same. The FIPB in its meeting held on 18 May, 2007 recommended the proposal of INX Media to effect for consideration and approval of the Finance Minister. However, in the meeting, the Board did not approve the downstream investment by INX Media in INX New (P) Limited. Accordingly, the recommendations were approved by then Finance Minister P Chidambaram. 

Contrary to the FIPB approval conveyed through letter dated 31 May, 2007 and the condition mentioned therein, INX Media deliberately and in violation of the conditions of the approval (i) made a downstream investment to the extent of 26 percent in the capital of INX New Private Limited without specific approval of FPB which included indirect foreign investment by the same foreign investors and (ii) generated over Rs 305 Crores foreign direct investment in INX Media Private Limited against the approved foreign inflow of Rs 4.62 Crore by issuing shares to the foreign investors at a premium of more than Rs 800 per share.

Subsequently the Income Tax department in February 2008 sought clarifications on the two issues from FIPB. The board also sought clarification from INX Media through a letter in May 2008. To wriggle out from the situation, INX Media, CBI alleged entered into a criminal conspiracy with Karti Chidambaram, son of P Chidambaram, then Finance of India and promoter of Chess Management Services Private Limited Chennai so as to get the issues resolved amicably by influencing the public servants of the FIPB unit of Ministry of Finance by virtue of his relationship with the then Finance Minister.

Origins of the INX Media case

INX Media Private Limited was incorporated on 8 August 2006 and has a registered office at Phoenix Mills compound, Lower Parel, Mumbai. Through an application dated 13 March, 2007, it approached the Chairman, Foreign Investment Promotion Board (FIPB) seeking approval for permission to issue by way of a preferential allotment in one or more tranches (i) up to 14,98,995 equity shares of Rs10 each; and (ii) up to 31,22,605 convertible, non cumulative, redeemable preference shares of Rs10 each collectively representing approximately 46.21 percent of the issued equity share capital of INX Media Private Limited on an ‘as converted’ basis to three non resident investors under the foreign direct investment route.

Political fallout expected as Parliament reconvenes

With the arrest coming only a day before the Parliament reconvenes, political observers told NDTV that it could blunt the Opposition’s attack on the government’s alleged soft stance on corruption.

Questioning currently ongoing in the Chennai airport lounge

Karti Chidambaram is currently being questioned in a lounge inside the airport, according to CNN-News18. Sources said that CBI plans to take him to Delhi on an 11 am flight and will try to present him in Delhi before 4 pm.

Senior Congress leader Ashok Gehlot reacts to the arrest

Mr Karti Chidambaram was arrested when he landed at Chennai airport, he was not trying to escape from India like Nirav Modi then arresting him on his arrival at airport is funny. Karti Chidambaram was cooperating the CBI, the CBI could have summoned him.

— Ashok Gehlot (@ashokgehlot51) February 28, 2018

BJP leader Subramanian Swamy says P Chidambaram will go next

#CBIGetsKarti - P. Chidambaram will go next. He has to be arrested: @Swamy39, BJP. pic.twitter.com/0sDJZ5DBSX

— News18 (@CNNnews18) February 28, 2018

Randeep Surjewala of the Congress reacts to the Karti Chidambaram’s arrest

Congress will not be deterred by unleashing of vendetta against P.Chidambaram & his family, we will continue to bring out the truth: Randeep Surjewala, Congress on Karti Chidambaram being taken in custody by CBI pic.twitter.com/59EwyQdLHU

— ANI (@ANI) February 28, 2018

RECAP: ED’s January raid had unearthed a confidential CBI report at P Chidambaram’s residence

A raid conducted by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) on 13 January at former Union minister P Chidambaram’s Jorbagh residence had yielded a confidential CBI report. The report was submitted to the Supreme Court in 2013 in a sealed cover by the CBI on the Aircel Maxis scam.

ANI had reported that the report was an unsigned copy which means it was leaked from the CBI. The ED had reported this to the CBI after which the CBI has started an inquiry as to how the report reached Chidambaram’s residence.

RECAP: ED had conducted raids against people linked to Karti Chidambaram in Chennai

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) had in February carried out searches against people allegedly linked to Karti Chidambaram in connection with the INX Media money laundering case, officials had said. They said the raids were conducted at three premises in Chennai under provisions of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), the anti-money laundering law.

RECAP:  P Chidambaram had moved Supreme Court seeking protection of fundamental rights amid ED and CBI raids

Senior Congress leader P Chidambaram had approached the Supreme Court seeking protection of his fundamental rights, including the right to privacy, amid summons to his son Karti Chidambaram and raids by the CBI and the ED in connection with cases related to Aircel-Maxis and INX Media.

Chidambaram, who is also a senior advocate, had claimed in his plea that as part of “political vendetta”, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) and the Enforcement Directorate (ED) have made “vexatious” searches and issued the repeated summons in these cases.

Karti arrested for non-cooperation in INX money laundering case

Karti Chidambaram has been arrested by the CBI for not cooperating in the investigation of the INX media money laundering case. Karti is accused of receiving Rs 10 lakh from INX Media, in exchange of arranging Foreign Investment Promotion Board (FIPB) clearance. “Karti ‘used’ his influence to manipulate a tax probe against INX Media in a case of violation of FIPB conditions to receive investment from Mauritius,” the CBI had said.

Congress terms arrest political vendetta

The Congress has reacted to Karti Chidambaram’s arrest, saying it was “diversionary tactics”, and a result of “political vendetta” by the Centre.

Karti Chidambaram arrested

Former Union minister P Chidambaram’s son Karti has been arrested by the CBI in Chennai, just hours after arriving from London.