Karti Chidambaram, son of former finance minister P Chidambaram, faces yet another corruption case. This time, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has registered a case against him for allegedly providing relief to Diageo Scotland, an alcoholic beverage company.
Allegations of Corruption: A New Case Unfolds
This latest case is the fourth in a series of corruption allegations against Karti Chidambaram. The other three cases involve significant controversies such as the Aircel-Maxis deal, the visa facilitation for Chinese employees, and the INX Media case.
The CBI’s recent First Information Report (FIR) points to suspicious payments made to Advantage Strategic Consulting Pvt. Ltd (ASCPL). This company, controlled by Karti Chidambaram and his close associate S Bhaskararaman, reportedly received funds from Diageo Scotland and Sequoia Capital.
A Pattern of Controversies
Karti Chidambaram’s legal troubles have been mounting over the years. Each case has its own set of complex allegations, but the underlying theme remains corruption and misuse of power.
In the Aircel-Maxis deal, Karti was accused of facilitating FIPB (Foreign Investment Promotion Board) approval in exchange for kickbacks. The visa case involved alleged bribery to ease the visa process for Chinese workers employed by a major infrastructure company. The INX Media case, perhaps the most high-profile, implicated both Karti and his father in a scam involving illegal foreign investments.
The Financial Trail: Diageo and Sequoia Payments
The focus of the new CBI case is on financial transactions that allegedly benefited Karti Chidambaram. According to the FIR, Advantage Strategic Consulting Pvt. Ltd received suspicious payments from Diageo Scotland and Sequoia Capital.
- The exact purpose of these payments is under scrutiny, with the CBI trying to ascertain if they were meant to influence governmental decisions or if they violated any financial regulations.
- ASCPL’s role as a conduit for these funds is a significant part of the investigation.
Legal and Political Implications
This case adds another layer to the ongoing legal battles faced by Karti Chidambaram. His political career, heavily intertwined with his father’s legacy, suffers each time a new allegation surfaces. The consistent pattern of cases against him raises questions about systemic corruption and the use of political power for personal gain.
The Congress party, to which Karti and his father belong, has often dismissed these allegations as politically motivated. However, the frequency and seriousness of the charges cannot be overlooked, making it a substantial matter of public interest and judicial scrutiny.
Previous Cases: A Recap
Here’s a brief overview of the other three significant cases involving Karti Chidambaram:
| Case | Allegation | Involvement |
|---|---|---|
| Aircel-Maxis | FIPB approval for kickbacks | Karti accused of facilitating approval |
| Visa for Chinese | Bribery for visa facilitation | Karti linked to easing visa processes |
| INX Media | Illegal foreign investment | Both Karti and P Chidambaram implicated |
Each case has followed a trajectory of intensive investigation, court proceedings, and political debates, making Karti Chidambaram a central figure in recent corruption narratives in India.
