Karti rebuffs charges as 'bogus', says he'll stand vindicated

After officials from the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) raided the residence of former union minister P. Chidambaram and his son Karti in Chennai, the latter asserted that all charges on him are completely bogus and he will stand vindicated one day.

"Whatever I heard is only from the media. Nothing of substance. All charges on me are completely bogus and I will stand vindicated one day," Karti told the media.

Meanwhile, CBI Joint Director Vineet Vinayak said the investigation is still underway and some important evidences such as hard disks, mails and documents have been recovered.

Vinayak said a criminal case was registered yesterday under various sections of conspiracy, illegal gratification to influence a public servant, cheating and misuse of official position against five main individuals and entities, unnamed officials of Foreign Investment Promotion Board (FIPB) and others in the matters related in the grant of FIPB approval to INX media private Ltd, represented by its then directors Indrani Mukherjea and Pritam Mukherjea alias Peter Mukherjea.

Vinayak said the case was registered based on a prima facie evidence and searches were conducted at 14 locations including Chennai, Mumbai, Delhi, and Gurugram.

According to reports, the raid may be followed in his native place Karaikudi also.

The raids happened at around 14 different locations in Chennai.

According to reports, the raids are part of the Aircel Maxis case. It is also being said that the raids are linked to clearances given to INX media, which was once owned by Peter Mukerjea.

Karti, who is facing money laundering charges in connection with the Aircel-Maxis deal, has been raided at his offices in the past as well.