Chidambaram’s Lawyer States That Statements By Indrani, Peter Mukerjea Not Credible As They Are Murder Accused
[ By Bobby Anthony ]Congress leader and former union minister P Chidambaram has filed an affidavit in the Delhi High Court denying that he used his office for personal gain in the INX Media affair.He also stated in a rejoinder to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) that statements made by Indrani Mukerjea and her husband Peter Mukerjea against him cannot be considered credible as they...
Congress leader and former union minister P Chidambaram has filed an affidavit in the Delhi High Court denying that he used his office for personal gain in the INX Media affair.
He also stated in a rejoinder to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) that statements made by Indrani Mukerjea and her husband Peter Mukerjea against him cannot be considered credible as they are accused in a murder case.
In a rejoinder to the CBI's reply on his bail plea, he stated that a look out circular (LOC) has already been issued against him and it would be preposterous to allege that he is a flight risk or can evade the process of law.
The rejoinder filed by Chidambaram's lawyers also denied the CBI's submission that his alleged role in the INX media case was a “clear betrayal of public trust” or that any loss was caused to the public exchequer”.
The rejoinder claimed that no public funds were involved in the INX Media case and it is not a case of bank fraud or taking money out of the country or defrauding depositors or stealing money, adding that Rs 305 crore came to INX media as foreign direct investment (FDI), which was well within the approval percentage of 46.21%.
It may be recalled that in its reply, the CBI had opposed Chidambaram's bail plea in the INX Media case, claiming that it is the gravest case among economic offences, which involved a high magnitude of financial embezzlement as well as misuse of high public office.
The CBI, in its written response to Chidambaram's bail plea, had stated that the gravity of offences committed by the former finance minister for which he is being investigated did not entitle him to seek bail since that would set a very wrong precedence in all corruption cases.
It said the investigation revealed that Mr Chidambaram, as the finance minister, had demanded illegal gratification and the payments were made in India and overseas to him and his accused son Karti.
The agency had stated that despite his arrest, Chidambaram continued to remain evasive while replying the questions put to him during interrogation or confrontation.