Firms linked to PC’s son raided

Income tax and enforcement sleuths on Tuesday raided the premises of several companies in Chennai and Tiruchirappali allegedly linked to the son of former Union finance minister P Chidambaram who termed the action a “malicious onslaught” on his family.

Asserting that there was “no collateral purpose” behind its action, the Central Board of Direct Taxes said the searches were based on “credible information of tax evasion” and “financial irregularities”.

The CBDT, however, said no political person or family members are today shareholders or directors of the companies searched or surveyed by the income tax department.

While the CBDT release did not identify the companies searched, sources said the raids conducted on five premises in the two cities included a private eye care chain, in which Karti allegedly had a stake. Despite repeated attempts Karti was not available for comments.

Sources said the raids were made in connection with the probe into the Aircel-Maxis deal, part of the 2G scam which is considered one of the country’s biggest corruption cases allegedly involving political leaders, government officials and business heads.

The sources said the ED was part of the searches in connection with their investigation under provisions of the Foreign Exchange Management Act (FEMA).

Shortly after the raids began, Chidambaram accused the government of launching a “malicious onslaught” on his family.

“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,” he said in a statement.

“My family and I are quite prepared to face the malicious onslaught launched by the government,” Chidambaram added.

Chidambaram alleged that the “agenda of the government” was being implemented by an ED officer who had a pending dispute with the department when he was the minister.