Aircel-Maxis: Chidambaram summoned by ED for second round of questioning
Former Finance Minister P Chidambaram today reached the ED headquarters in Delhi for the second round of questioning in the Aircel-Maxis case. The last time the Directorate questioned him was on June 5. The next day, he was at the CBI headquarters for interrogation in another case. The ED is expected to record his statements under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA).
The controversial Aircel-Maxis deal
In 2006, Malaysia-based 'Maxis Communication' bought 74% stake in Indian telecom company Aircel. Then Finance Minister Chidambaram had given the Foreign Investment Promotion Board (FIPB) clearance for the Rs. 3500-crore deal to go through.
Fingers raised against the Chidambarams
In 2012, BJP Leader Subramanian Swamy accused Chidambaram of misusing powers in the Aircel-Maxis deal. Swamy alleged Chidambaram couldn't have given FIPB clearance to deals above Rs. 600 crore; they're required to be vetted by the Cabinet Committee of Economic Affairs. He further alleged that Chidambaram delayed clearance until his son Karti received 5% stake in Aircel to benefit from Maxis' investment in Aircel.
Chidambaram denies all accusations
In September'14, CBI initiated an investigation into allegations against Chidambaram. CBI and ED concluded he had exceeded his brief by granting clearance to the deal. Chidambaram vehemently denied the allegations and reiterated that there was no infringement while granting clearance. He has repeatedly claimed the raids on their premises were a "malicious onslaught" against the family, and no incriminating evidence had been unearthed.
'All my answers available publicly': Chidambaram tweeted after last round
A week ago, a Delhi court granted him protection from arrest till July 10; CBI and ED are authorized to continue questioning. ED has already questioned him on details related to the deal. A fresh set of questions is likely to be put to him today. After the June 5 questioning, Chidambaram had tweeted that all his answers were already available in government documents.
'No FIR, no offence alleged, yet there is an investigation'
CBI, ED directed to complete probe in 2G-cases by September
Chidambaram's son Karti, who allegedly attempted to close his bank-accounts to evade action and tampered with evidence, has been questioned in the case twice. In March, the SC had directed agencies to complete probe in 2G spectrum cases, including the Aircel-Maxis deal, within six months.
