INX media case: Karti Chidambaram’s properties worth Rs 54 crore in Delhi and abroad seized by ED

Enforcement Directorate has seized Karti Chidambaram’s properties from Chidambaram’s Delhi residence and abroad worth 54 crore in INX media money laundering case.

The news agency ANI reported about the development. The agency tweeted "ED attaches around Rs 54 crores worth properties and bank deposits of Karti Chidambaram in connection with INX Media case. Properties include, Jor Bagh in New Delhi, Ooty & Kodaikanal bungalows, residence in UK and property in Barcelona".

Reacting immediately over the attachment of his assets, Karti said "A bizarre and outlandish ”Provisional Attachment Order” which is not based on law or facts but on crazy conjectures. This is meant only to grab ”headlines”. The ”order” will not withstand judicial scrutiny, review or appeal. Will approach the appropriate legal forum".

Karti, who has been under trial in the INX media case, slammed the Central government and called it fascist. He said "Fascism is not an ideology of left, right or center, but rather an approach to seizing and consolidating power by an individual or party that claims to be acting in the name of a nation".

The ED issued an order under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA). The assets were attached from Kodaikanal and Ooty in Tamil Nadu and a flat in Delhi’s Jorbagh.

The cottage and house in UK’s Somerset and tennis club situated in Spain’s Barcelona have also been seized.

A firm linked with Karti has been accused by CBI of influencing FIPB approval for Rs 305 crore irregular investments in INX media. This happened in 2007 when his father was the Finance Minister. A case has been filed against Karti, INX Media along with eight others.