Coal scam case: Next hearing on 10 Dec
The charge framing is once again deferred in the high profile coal scam case in CBI Special Court in Asansol today as one of the main accused Bikash Mishra was not present in the court.
In a huge setback for P Chidambaram, the Delhi High Court on Tuesday dismissed both the anticipatory bail pleas of the former finance minister in connection with INX Media case being investigated by Central Bureau of Investigation and the Enforcement Directorate.
While the CBI is investigating alleged irregularities in the Foreign Investment Promotion Board (FIPB) clearance granted to INX Media for receiving overseas funds to the tune of Rs 305 crore in 2007 when P Chidambaram was the Finance Minister, the ED is probing the money laundering angle.
It is alleged that his son Karti Chidambaram illegally took service charges for getting the FIPB clearance to the INX Media for receiving funds from abroad.
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Thereafter, the ED had lodged a money laundering case in this regard.
ED probe revealed financial linkage of Karti and his father with INX Media and Maxis group despite the “contradictory and evasive” responses of various people questioned in connection with the case.
Karti Chidambaram was arrested on February 28 by the CBI in the case and was granted bail. His Chartered Accountant S Bhaskararaman was also arrested and later granted bail.
Chidambaram has got interim protection from arrest while his son is out on regular bail.
On January 25, the Delhi High Court had reserved its order on Chidambaram’s bail plea in the case being probed by the Enforcement Directorate and the CBI.
On March 11, the High Court allowed the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) to file additional documents on record to support its case against Chidambaram in the case.
The investigating agencies had opposed Chidambaram’s bail plea, saying that custodial interrogation of the former Finance Minister was necessary as he was evasive and had given false information during his questioning.
Meanwhile, in more trouble for P Chidambaram, the ED has summoned him for questioning in an aviation scam case dating back to the UPA regime, authorities said on Monday.
The Congress leader has been summoned on charges of money laundering.
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