CBI names Chidambaram as accused in chargesheet in Aircel Maxis deal

The CBI on Thursday filed a chargesheet against former Union finance minister P Chidambaram and his son Karti, naming them as accused in the Aircel Maxis deal case. Chidambaram alleged that the CBI had been pressured into filing the chargesheet.

The supplementary chargesheet was filed before special CBI judge O P Saini who has fixed July 31 for considering the document.

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.

— P. Chidambaram (@PChidambaram_IN) July 19, 2018

In its new chargesheet, the CBI said that two sets of money trails were discovered regarding Foreign Investment Promotion Board clearance. The agency also said that some govt officials, both serving and retired, have been named in chargesheet

Last week, a Delhi court had extended Chidambaram and Karti’s protection from arrest till August 7 in connection with the money laundering case.

The case pertains to Foreign Investment Promotion Board (FIPB) clearance being given to the firm M/S Global Communication Holding Services Ltd for investment in Aircel. Chidambaram was finance minister at the time.

Chidambaram and Karti have denied all allegations levelled against them in the Aircel Maxis deal case.