The Rouse Avenue Court on Friday allowed Congress leader Karti Chidambaram to travel to France and the United Kingdom from September 15-27.
Karti Chidambaram is an accused in the alleged Aircel-Maxis scam and INX Media scam cases.
Special Judge MK Nagpal stated, the applications moved on behalf of the accused in all the above cases are stand allowed.
It explicitly clarifies that this court ruling will not impede ongoing investigations, nor will it affect the prerogative of the Enforcement Directorate (ED) to raise objections to the pending request of the accused for regular bail in this case. The decision also recognizes the right of investigating agencies to seek the annulment of bail granted to the applicant in other cases.
Karti’s plea articulates his invitation to attend the esteemed international tennis tournament, the St. Tropez Open, scheduled to transpire in St. Tropez, France, from September 18-24. Following the tournament, he intends to travel to London, UK, to visit his daughter who resides and works there.
Additionally, Karti emphasizes his need to participate in meetings and business undertakings in the UK due to his affiliation with Totus Tennis Ltd., a company he co-organizes, incorporated in the UK.
In response, both the CBI and the ED’s legal representatives have opposed these applications, asserting that the documents accompanying the pleas fail to substantiate the necessity of Karti’s physical presence during the French tournament, the anticipated duration of his stay, and the urgency of his visit to his daughter in the UK.
The court acknowledges allegations of non-cooperation by Karti during the ongoing ED investigation. Moreover, fresh evidence has emerged indicating his involvement in disposing of shares of a company beneficially owned or controlled by him, thereby dealing with the proceeds of crime.
The court order outlines specific conditions for Karti’s travel. He must provide a security deposit of Rs. 1 Crore through an FDR or bank draft, furnish his comprehensive travel itinerary, including accommodation details and contact numbers, and share this information with both the concerned Investigating Officers of the CBI and the Directorate of Enforcement before leaving the country.
In a recent development, ED has seized 4 properties valued at Rs 11.04 Crore, including both movable and immovable assets located in the Coorg District of Karnataka, linked to Karti P Chidambaram and others. This action was taken under the provisions of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act, 2002.
The ED initiated proceedings under the Money Laundering Act against Karti P. Chidambaram, Advantage Strategic Consulting Pvt. Ltd. (ASCPL), and others based on an FIR filed by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI). The investigation uncovered the receipt of illegal gratification through shell companies associated with Karti Chidambaram, with a total sum of Rs. 65.88 Crore laundered over time. The funds were routed to overseas accounts and invested in overseas properties and company shares through shell entities controlled by Karti P Chidambaram and his associates.
