A court in the national capital on Tuesday took a significant step forward in the high-profile Chinese visa case, formally framing charges of criminal conspiracy against Congress Member of Parliament Karti Chidambaram and other accused individuals.
Court Proceedings and Next Hearing
The development occurred at Delhi's Rouse Avenue Court, which is presiding over the matter. Alongside Karti Chidambaram, the court also framed charges against his close aide, Bhaskar Raman, for his alleged involvement in the offence. The judicial process will now move forward, with the next hearing scheduled for January 16.
The Allegations by Enforcement Directorate
The case, investigated by the Enforcement Directorate (ED), revolves around accusations of money laundering linked to the issuance of visas back in 2011. The agency alleges that Karti Chidambaram received a bribe of Rs 50 lakh to help facilitate approvals for the reuse of visas for Chinese personnel. This favour was reportedly sought by a company involved in establishing a power plant in Punjab.
The probe is connected to the alleged issuance of visas to 263 Chinese nationals in 2011, a period when Karti's father, P. Chidambaram, served as the Union Home Minister. The ED registered a money laundering case to investigate these claims.
Karti Chidambaram's Defence
Karti Chidambaram has consistently and vehemently denied all allegations against him. He has previously characterized the ED's investigation as a "fishing and roving" inquiry, implying it lacks specific direction and evidence. He maintains that he has provided all necessary documents to the investigating agency.
In his defence, the Congress MP has termed the case "bogus" and stated unequivocally that he never assisted any Chinese nationals in obtaining visas. His legal team is expected to contest the framed charges vigorously in the upcoming hearings.
