Enforcement Directorate raids Karti Chidambaram’s Chennai office

The office of Karti Chidambaram, son of former finance minister P Chidambaram, was searched on Wednesday in Chennai by the Enforcement Directorate, which is investigating allegations of money-laundering linked to the 2G spectrum case. 

Confirming the search, Karti said, “Some officers of the investigating agencies visited my office. I was informed that they are investigating three firms. Two of the firms belong to my friends. They are owned by professionalsand managed by a competent board of directors. I am not aware of the third firm. I made it clear to the officers what I had publicly stated earlier. Neither I nor any member of my family is a shareholder or director in any of the said firms. We do not have any economic interest in the said firms. I have no doubt that the two firms belonging to my friends will answer any questions put to them and clear any allegation made against them. As can be expected when false allegations are made, nothing relating to the said firms was found in my office.”

Reacting to the search in Karti’s office, Chidambaram said, “I would like to see how far a foolish government will go in harassing Karti. I still believe that the departments I left behind have many officers who will act according to law and their conscience.”

Earlier this month, the Enforcement Directorate and the Income Tax department raided Advantage Strategic Consulting, a company with which Karti Chidambaram was associated earlier. In August, two directors of the company were summoned in connection with the Aircel-Maxis case and charges of money laundering.