Beyond Chidambaram, these 7 politicians are also on CBI's radar
P Chidambaram's arrest by CBI on Wednesday is being viewed differently by various sections. While Congress sees it as a breach of privacy and government's revenge, BJP feels he is being brought to justice for "ill deeds". His case is sensational, but he isn't the only one who is being probed by the agency. Here's looking at seven politicians who had run-ins with CBI.
Kuldeep Sengar is being probed for rape and murder
Kuldeep Singh Sengar, an MLA from Unnao who has been expelled from BJP, is being probed by CBI for allegedly raping a minor in 2017. The victim tried self-immolation outside Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath's residence in 2018. He has been booked for the custodial death of survivor's father. The top agency is also probing Sengar's role in the victim's accident, which happened last month.
Transfer of unaccounted money could land Kamal Nath in trouble
Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Kamal Nath is another politician who is on CBI's radar. As per reports, the Congress leader could be investigated for his alleged involvement in the illegal transfer of unaccounted money during the recently-concluded Lok Sabha polls. Apparently, CBI has already received a formal complaint from Election Commission through the Department of Personnel & Training, which handles the agency.
Yediyurappa was accused of bribery, and years later was acquitted
Karnataka's CM BS Yediyurappa had to resign from the top post in August 2011 after Lokayukta Santosh Hegde indicted him in the Bellary illegal mining case. The tall Lingayat leader was accused of taking bribery. In 2016, Yediyurappa took a sigh of relief after a CBI court acquitted him. However, it won't be surprising if his shoddy past returns to haunt Yediyurappa again.
CBI is probing former Himachal CM Virbhadra Singh
Former Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Virbhadra Singh faces serious allegations of corruption. According to CBI, he amassed assets worth Rs. 10 crore, which were disproportionate, when he was a Union minister in the UPA government. Enforcement Directorate has also charged him with money laundering. Singh, naturally, has denied the allegations. In February, he said CBI has become a weapon of PM Narendra Modi-led Centre.
Congress leader BS Hooda faces multiple charges
Former Haryana Chief Minister Bhupinder Singh Hooda is another Congress leader who faces corruption charges. He is accused of criminal conspiracy in Manesar land case, wherein land was allegedly purchased from farmers in Gurgaon at Rs. 100 crore, when the actual price was somewhere around Rs. 1,500 crore. Separately, he is also being probed for allotting land to Associated Journals Ltd. at throwaway prices.
Mamata Banerjee's fight with CBI gained lot of attention
In February this year, West Bengal Chief Minister and Trinamool Chief Mamata Banerjee launched an agitation against CBI, which was investigating Saradha and Rose Valley chit fund scams. In a shocking incident, the state police arrested CBI officers who wanted to question Kolkata Police Chief Rajeev Kumar, said to be close to Banerjee. The matter reached Supreme Court which allowed CBI to grill Kumar.
Chidambaram's son Karti is a co-accused in INX Media case
Notably, Chidambaram's son, Karti, who was elected to Lok Sabha from Sivaganga, is also a co-accused in INX Media case. Allegedly, after the media company received foreign funds illegally, its founders, Peter and Indrani Mukerjea, approached Karti. Using his influence, Karti got the company favors from Finance Ministry and received kickbacks for the same. He was arrested and is currently out on bail.
