The Central Bureau of Investigation informed the Supreme Court on Monday that its investigations into the case relating to the allegedly irregular FIPB nod for foreign investment to the tune of Rs 305 crore in INX Media in 2007 so far have revealed that former finance minister P Chidambaram's son Karti owned 25 properties abroad.
The CBI said it will be submitting a report in a sealed cover detailing the properties abroad to the Supreme Court.
Representing Karti, senior advocate Kapil Sibal said the CBI's allegations were "innuendoes" aimed at defaming Karti's father, mother and wife. "I have serious objections to this," he said.
Responding to the CBI's allegation that Karti owned 25 properties abroad, Sibal said, "During Karti's questioning, not a single question was asked about the properties. If the government, income tax department or the CBI finds I have any undisclosed assets abroad, I am ready to sign a declaration that the government can take them over."
"The mala fide allegation about properties abroad could not be a justification for issuance of lookout notice by the CBI. The lookout notice was issued in relation to the alleged irregular FIPB clearance in 2007. Karti is no fugitive from justice that he be barred from travelling abroad. It violates his fundamental right, especially when there was no justification for issuance of the lookout notice," he said.
The top court had on September 2 refrained Karti from travelling abroad till September 11 while permitting the CBI to furnish details of his interrogation in the case relating to 2007 when his father was Union finance minister.
On August 18, the SC had asked Karti to appear before the CBI on August 23 for questioning with regard to the INX Media case.
