Congress MP Karti Chidambaram Skips ED Questioning in Alleged Visa Irregularities Money Laundering Probe
Congress Member of Parliament Karti Chidambaram, representing the Sivaganga Lok Sabha seat, has failed to appear before the Enforcement Directorate (ED) for questioning related to a money laundering investigation. The probe is linked to purported irregularities in the issuance of visas to 263 Chinese nationals back in 2011. Karti, summoned by the central agency, cited his engagement in the ongoing Parliament session as the reason for his non-appearance at the ED’s New Delhi office this week.
The case, investigated under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), stems from allegations regarding a payment of ₹50 lakh in kickbacks to Karti and a close associate, S Bhaskararaman, by a senior executive of the Vedanta group’s company, Talwandi Sabo Power Ltd. (TSPL), involved in setting up a power plant in Punjab. The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) initiated the case, which subsequently led to the money laundering investigation by the ED.
Karti Chidambaram, responding to the summons, labeled the case as “most bogus” and indicated that his legal team would handle the matter. Denying involvement, he stated, “There are three categories of cases foisted on me: bogus, more bogus, and most bogus. This is category three. It will be dealt with by my lawyers.” This isn’t the first legal entanglement for Karti, as he faces two other money laundering cases under investigation by the ED, about the INX Media and Aircel-Maxis cases.
The CBI’s allegations suggest that the issuance of project visas for Chinese workers involved in the power project faced irregularities, with an alleged exchange of money. It is claimed that Karti was approached through his close associate, Bhaskararaman, by a TSPL executive seeking re-issuance of project visas for the Chinese workforce, breaching the established guidelines. Karti has previously dismissed these accusations as harassment and a witch hunt, maintaining his stance of not being involved in facilitating visas for Chinese nationals.
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