INX Media case: In message from Tihar, Chidambaram 'defends' officers
Former Finance Minister P Chidambaram, who is currently in Tihar jail, said on Monday that he doesn't want any of the officers involved in the INX Media case to be arrested as they didn't commit any wrongdoing. A few hours ago, the Congress veteran's family tweeted on his behalf. To recall, Chidambaram was sent to Tihar jail till September 19.
Chidambaram is being investigated by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) and Enforcement Directorate (ED) for facilitating illicit FDI into INX Media, a company founded by Indrani and Peter Mukerjea. His son Karti is accused of receiving kickbacks. After he was arrested by CBI on August 21, Chidambaram's custody was extended several times. On September 5, he was sent to judicial custody.
When Chidambaram was at the helm of Finance Ministry, the media company allegedly received overseas funds to the tune of Rs. 305 crore. But the officers involved in the Foreign Investment Promotion Board (FIPB) clearance, weren't arrested and Chidambaram said he doesn't know why. "No officer has done anything wrong. I do not want anyone to be arrested," his tweet read.
I have requested my family to tweet on my behalf the following :-
— P. Chidambaram (@PChidambaram_IN) September 9, 2019
People have asked me 'If the dozen officers who processed and recommended the case to you have not been arrested, why have you been arrested? Only because you have put the last signature?'
I have no answer.
To recall, Chidambaram's dramatic arrest made Indrani, who is in jail for the murder of her daughter Sheena Bora, happy. Calling his arrest "good news", Indrani had hoped that Karti's bail is also canceled. She has turned an approver in the corruption case, and her statements helped agencies nab the Chidambarams. However, Karti claimed he never met the Mukerjeas, and the case was politically-motivated.
Chidambaram, who was also the Home Minister during UPA-era, is lodged in jail number 7 of Tihar, Asia's largest prison facility. He has not been given any special facilities, except a western loo and a separate cell, as per court's orders. He was allowed to take his spectacles and medicines and was also permitted to wear clothes brought by his family.
Chidambaram began his first day in Tihar, on Friday, by taking a walk and reading some religious scriptures. Reportedly he had a light breakfast of tea, porridge, and milk. Like other inmates, he has access to the prison library and can watch television for a specified period. Since he is an undertrial, Chidambaram can refuse to participate in jail work.
