Published 19:28 IST, September 5th 2019
Like father like son; the Chidambarams made similar demands in Tihar
Karti Chidambaram was sent to Tihar in March 2018, for investigations in the INX Media case. Both Karti and PC made similar demands during their stay in jail
P Chidambaram was sent to Tihar jail on Thursday, where he will stay till September 19, in connection with the INX Media case. Notably, his son Karti Chidambaram had also been sent to Tihar jail earlier in 2018 and made similar demands for his time in lock-up. Chidambaram was initially arrested on August 21, after a Delhi court dismissed the anticipatory bail moved by the former Union Finance Minister.
Requests made by Chidambaram
Chidambaram and his lawyers have requested for special requirements in the jail for the former Finance Minister. They requested a special cell, security arrangements and a washroom with western facilities. Chidamabaram will be locked in a special cell since he is a Z category protectee. He has also been granted permission to take his medication, as well as his spectacles. Chidambaram's son, Karti Chidambaram was also in Tihar, earlier in March 2018, for investigations in the same INX media case. When he was arrested he had made similar special requests to the court for his stay in the jail. Karti Chidamabaram used his father's status as an ex-Union Minister while requesting special arrangements. He was quoted saying, since his father was the Home Minister who had handled terror cases before, and some of those convicted were also lodged in the same jail as him, security was of grave concern to him. Karti had also requested for home-cooked food, medicine, toiletries and spectacles. Though he was not granted additional security, some of his other requests were granted.
Order passed by Special Court
Judge Ajay Kumar Kuhar of a special CBI court at Rouse Court Avenue Complex ordered P Chidambaram to be sent to Tihar jail. Tushar Mehta, who is representing the CBI, argued that given the facts of the case and the ongoing investigation, sending P Chidambaram to judicial custody was a "necessary consequence". Kapil Sibal, in response, said that there had been no instance of tampering of evidence. "I am willing to go to Enforcement Directorate custody if they want, but why to judicial custody? Either I surrender, let Enforcement Directorate take custody, I don't have a problem".
The INX Media case pertains to alleged irregularities in the Foreign Investment Promotion Board clearance to INX Media at the time when P Chidambaram was the Finance Minister. It is suspected that P Chidambaram and his son Karti Chidambaram have received kickbacks when INX Media was sold to a foreign firm.
Updated 20:18 IST, September 5th 2019