INX Media case: Chidambaram to be subjected to 3 more days of custodial interrogation by CBI

Former finance minister P Chidambaram will be subjected to three more days of custodial interrogation by the CBI in a corruption case arising from the INX Media scam as a Delhi court remanded him in the agency's custody till September 2.

The order was passed by Special Judge Ajay Kumar Kuhar before whom Chidambaram was produced on the expiry of four-day custodial interrogation granted on August 26.

"Investigation being the prerogative of the investigating officer and given the fact that the record is voluminous and accused needs to be confronted. Thus, more time is required. In view of the submissions made, the accused is sent to police custody remand till September 2," the judge said while pronouncing the order.

Chidambaram, 73, has been already subjected to custodial interrogation by the CBI for eight days since his arrest on August 21, after the Delhi High Court on August 20 dismissed his anticipatory bail plea.

The CBI sought extension of Chidambaram's custodial interrogation by five days in the case.

His son Karti was also present in the court.

An application seeking extension of five more days of police custody was moved on the ground that extensive interrogation was conducted and he was confronted with relevant records and statements of witnesses.

However, the agency said despite best possible efforts, investigation cannot be completed due to his evasive and non-cooperative attitude and further time is required.

Additional Solicitor General (ASG) K M Nataraj, representing the CBI, said Chidambaram has been partially interrogated and he is required to be confronted with further documents.

The judge asked the CBI as to why it required five more days for interrogating Chidambaram and wanted to see the case diary.

When the ASG said there are voluminous documents, the judge said, "You were aware about the volume of documents, why did you ask for only five days custody for the first time, Second time also you asked for five days only. Why this approach."