The CBI registers a fresh corruption case against Congress MP Karti Chidambaram

CBI Registers Fresh Corruption Case Against Congress MP Karti Chidambaram

In a new twist in the political and corporate corridors, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has filed a fresh case of corruption against Congress MP Karti Chidambaram, son of senior leader and former Finance Minister P. Chidambaram. The allegations point towards Karti’s alleged misuse of influence to benefit private entities in exchange for financial gains.

As per the FIR filed by the CBI, the case dates back to 2005 when India’s Tourism Development Corporation (ITDC) imposed a ban on Diageo’s duty-free liquor sales, including its flagship brand, Johnnie Walker. Allegedly facing heavy losses, Diageo sought Karti Chidambaram’s intervention to overturn the ban. The investigation claims that a sum of $15,000 was transferred to Advantage Strategic Consulting Pvt. Ltd., a firm linked to Karti, under the pretense of consultancy fees. Authorities believe this payment was a bribe to facilitate the lifting of the embargo by influencing government officials.

Additionally, the FIR highlights suspicious financial dealings involving Sequoia Capital’s Mauritius unit and Karti Chidambaram’s firm in 2008. These transactions are suspected to have been made to expedite approvals from the Foreign Investment Promotion Board (FIPB) during a period when P. Chidambaram held the Finance Ministry portfolio.

This is not the first time Karti Chidambaram has been under the scanner. In 2018, he was arrested by the CBI in connection with the INX Media corruption case, although he was granted bail shortly after. The current case intensifies scrutiny over the alleged nexus between corporate entities and political figures in gaining undue advantages.

Reacting to the allegations, Karti Chidambaram has dismissed the claims as politically motivated, reiterating his stance that the accusations are part of a campaign to tarnish his reputation. Meanwhile, the CBI maintains that its investigation will be thorough and evidence-based.

The case has reignited debates on the prevalence of corruption within India’s political framework and the challenges in curbing undue corporate influence over government decisions. Legal experts believe the charges, if proven, could result in severe penalties under anti-corruption laws.

As the investigation unfolds, all eyes remain on how the judicial process will address these serious allegations, which could have far-reaching implications for both politics and governance in the country.