Chidambarams charged by CBI in Aircel case
NEWDELHI: The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) on Thursday charged senior Congress leader and former Union finance minister P Chidambaram and his son Karti Chidambaram in the Aircel-maxis case, prompting allegations of political vendetta from the principal opposition party with the charge sheet being filed just a day before the Lok Sabha was slated to debate a no-confidence motion against the government.
The former finance minister termed the allegations against him as “preposterous”.
“CBI has been pressured to file a charge sheet to support a preposterous allegation against me and officers with a sterling reputation. The case is now before the Hon'ble Court and it will be contested vigorously. I shall make no more public comment,” Chidambaram tweeted.
Jitendra Singh, the minister of state for Prime Minister’s Office, said, “Congress leaders are saying this due to their own experience when during the UPA rule investigation agencies were misused to further the political agenda.
Ever since the Modi government has taken over charge, the investigation agencies work with full freedom and there is no political interference in their working.”
The case refers to a 2006 investment in Indian telco Aircel Ltd by Malaysia’s Maxis Communications which, according to CBI, was a violation of then prevailing foreign investments laws.
The charge sheet was filed in the special court of judge OP Saini who will consider it on July 31.