More trouble for P Chidambaram, CBI likely to demand for lie detector test

In yet another major blow for embattled former Union Minister P Chidambaram, the CBI is likely to demand for a lie detector test. Sources have told News Nation that the probe agency officials feel that the senior Congress leader is not cooperating in the investigation. The CBI is officially going to make the request in the court today, sources said. Chidambaram was arrested on August 21 in the INX Media case filed by the CBI. The CBI had registered an FIR on May 15, 2017, alleging irregularities in the Foreign Investment Promotion Board (FIPB) clearance granted to the INX Media group for receiving overseas funds of Rs 305 crore in 2007 during Chidambaram's tenure as the finance minister. Thereafter, the ED lodged a money laundering case in this regard in 2018.

On Tuesday, the family of former finance minister challenged the Narendra Modi government to produce a shred of evidence backing its claim of undisclosed bank accounts or shell company anywhere in the world. In a letter shared by his son Karti, the Chidambaram family said that a "campgain of vilification" can't wipe out the contribution of P Chidambaram, who has been in public life for nearly 50 years.

Also Read: INX Media Case: What Indrani Mukerjea told probe agencies against P Chidambaram

"We are all income tax assesses. We don not crave for money and have no need to seek it in unlawful ways. We are, therefore, astounded by allegations of properties in multiple countries, multiple bank accounts, numerous shell companies etc. These are chapters plucked out of ghost stories, one day there ghosts will be buried.

Also Read: NN EXCLUSIVE: ED’s confidential report reveals money paid to firm linked to Karti Chidambaram

"We challenge the government to produce a shred of evidence in support of one undisclosed bank account, one undisclosed property or one shell company anywhere in the world," the statement read.

The former finance minister is accused of misusing his powers to grant “illegals FIPB approvals” to jailed media baron Indrani Mukerjea's INX Media in the exchange of kickbacks allegedly paid to various shell companies floated by his son Karti Chidambaram on the names of his employees and other business associates.

Currently, the Congress leader is in CBI custody. Last week the CBI had arrested him from his residence in Delhi's Hauz Khas area after the Delhi High Court refused to grant him the interim protection from arrest by the CBI.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Chidambaram was arrested on August 21 in the INX Media case.
• Ex-finance minister is accused of receiving Rs 305 crore kickbacks.
• He allegedly took the money in order to give FIPB clearance.