Allegations 'crazy mixture of falsehoods, conjectures': Chidambaram

Former Finance Minister P Chidambaram on Monday lashed out at the Enforcement Directorate saying its allegations against him and his son Karti in the Aircel Maxis case are "a crazy mixture of falsehoods and conjectures" intended to "intimidate" him and to "silence" his voice.

Reacting to a statement by ED after it attached his son Karti's assets in the Aircel Maxel case, he said he will not be intimidated.

"I have read the Press Note released by the Enforcement Directorate. It cleverly skirts the issue of jurisdiction of the ED when the only charge sheet filed in the case (Aircel-Maxis) has been quashed by the Special Judge.

"The Foreign Investment Promotion Board (FIPB) officials who were examined by the CBI have affirmed that the FIPB, consisting of Secretaries to the Government of India, correctly approved and recommended the case and placed the minutes before the Finance Minister (who was the competent authority) for approval. Approval was granted in the normal course.

"The allegations in the Press Note are a crazy mixture of falsehoods and conjectures. The Press Note is intended to intimidate me and to silence my voice. I will not be intimidated.

"As and when the Attachment Order is served, suitable action will be taken in accordance with law," Chidambaram said in his statement.

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) on Monday said it has attached Rs 1.16-crore worth of assets belonging to Congress leader P. Chidambaram's son Karti who is being probed for receiving alleged kickbacks in getting FIPB clearance in the Aircel Maxis deal when his father was union Finance Minister.

--IANS

vsc/dg