Congress Member of Parliament, Karti Chidambaram, made his 20th appearance before the Enforcement Directorate (ED) on Saturday regarding the alleged Chinese visa scam case. He called the case ‘dead, dormant, and closed,’ emphasizing that it has become a routine affair for him. Chidambaram is accused of receiving Rs 50 lakh to facilitate visas for 263 Chinese nationals for a power project in Punjab.
The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) had filed a money laundering case in May of the previous year, alleging that Karti Chidambaram misused his influence in the Ministry of Home Affairs in 2011. The CBI claimed that he conspired with co-accused individuals to devise a “back-door way to defeat the purpose of the ceiling” on work permits imposed by the ministry.
Addressing reporters before his ED appearance, Chidambaram stated that it has become a routine affair, with the ED asking the same questions and him providing the same answers. He highlighted that the CBI practically closed the matter, but the ED wants to reopen and question him in connection with it. Chidambaram mentioned that his lawyers have submitted a comprehensive 100-page reply in connection with the case.
In a somewhat lighthearted note, Chidambaram remarked that it is the season of Christmas, and it appears the ED missed the occasion, hence summoning him again. He expressed a willingness to exchange Christmas greetings with the ED during his visit.
The CBI not only implicated Karti Chidambaram but also booked four other individuals, including his chartered accountant S. Bhaskararaman, Vikas Makharia representing Talwandi Sabo Power Ltd, a private company in Mansa, and Bell Tools, Mumbai. The charges include conspiracy to misuse influence in 2011 and devising a method to circumvent the work permit ceiling imposed by the Ministry of Home Affairs.
As the case unfolds, it brings attention to the complexities surrounding alleged financial improprieties and misuse of influence, with legal proceedings continuing to shed light on the details.
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