New Delhi: Indrani Mukerjea, who was the former head of INX Media, today appeared before Special CBI Judge Arun Bhardwaj and accepted the court’s pardon in the money laundering case and turned approver. Her statement against the other accused former Finance Minister, P. Chidambaram, and his son Karthi could end spell trouble for the duo.
The court had allowed her to turn approver in the INX Media case and allowed her plea for pardon, which the court granted today. She is no longer an accused in the INX Media case.
The CBI says that Indrani could shed light on some conversations which could give strength to the investigations.
While receiving the pardon, Indrani told the court, “I am aware that the court has allowed the application and granted me pardon, subject to the conditions as mentioned in that order. In case of giving false evidence and not complying with the condition, I would be tried for the offence.”
Indrani Mukejea is now in Byculla jail in Mumbai after being arrested for her role in the murder of her daughter Sheena Bora which had shocked the public.
According to the CBI FIR registered in 2017, the investigating agency alleges irregularities in the Foreign Investment Promotion Board (FIPB) clearance to INX Media for receiving foreign funds of Rs. 305 crore in 2007.
The Finance Minister at the time was P. Chidambaram.
The Enforcement Directorate (ED) also registered a case of money laundering against Chidambaram. The ED has attached properties worth Rs. 54 crore belonging to Chidambaram’s son, Karti, and another firm in the case. The ED is investigating how FIPB clearance was given to the group in 2007.
The agency says that Indrani Mukerjea and her husband Peter Mukerjea met P. Chidambaram so that there was no delay in their application. The Mukerjea’s properties are also attached now.
