Karti Chidambaram has been arrested in Chennai in the INX Media case after returning from London for non-cooperation with the CBI.

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Former Union minister P Chidambaram's son Karti has been arrested by the CBI in Chennai, just hours after arriving from London.

The Congress has reacted to Karti Chidambaram's arrest, saying it was "diversionary tactics", and a result of "political vendetta" by the Centre.

Karti Chidambaram has been arrested by the CBI for not cooperating in the investigation of the INX media money laundering case. Karti is accused of receiving Rs 10 lakh from INX Media, in exchange of arranging Foreign Investment Promotion Board (FIPB) clearance. "Karti 'used' his influence to manipulate a tax probe against INX Media in a case of violation of FIPB conditions to receive investment from Mauritius," the CBI had said.

Chidambaram, who is also a senior advocate, had claimed in his plea that as part of "political vendetta", the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) and the Enforcement Directorate (ED) have made "vexatious" searches and issued the repeated summons in these cases.

Senior Congress leader P Chidambaram had approached the Supreme Court seeking protection of his fundamental rights, including the right to privacy, amid summons to his son Karti Chidambaram and raids by the CBI and the ED in connection with cases related to Aircel-Maxis and INX Media.

Randeep Surjewala of the Congress reacts to the Karti Chidambaram's arrest

Karti Chidambaram is currently being questioned in a lounge inside the airport, according to CNN-News18. Sources said that CBI plans to take him to Delhi on an 11 am flight and will try to present him in Delhi before 4 pm.

The list of accused people in the case

CBI team, along with Karti Chidambaram, leaves for Delhi from Chennai

In May last year, the CBI had conducted raids at the Chennai houses of Chidambaram and his son. The raids and the arrest now relates to clearances given to INX Media. Karti allegedly facilitated the clearances for kickbacks in 2008 when Chidambaram was a Union minister in the UPA government. It is here that things become difficult for the top Congress leader. His involvement, direct or indirect, in the case can come under investigations post the arrest of his son.

The BJP has said laws are taking their own course and the party isn't involved in the functioning of the investigating agencies or of the judiciary, following accusations of "political vendetta" hurled by the Congress over the arrest of P Chidambaram's son Karti.

This isn't the first instance in which investigative agencies have moved against the Chidambarams. In April last year, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) had issued a show-cause notice to Karti and a firm purportedly linked to him for alleged violations of the FEMA laws to the tune of Rs 45 crore. Also, the agency also issued a similar notice, after over two years of investigations, to another firm Vasan Health Care Private Limited, which is based in Chennai, for alleged forex violations of Rs 2,262 crore.

Not the first time agencies have moved against Chidambaram family

Advantage India holds 90,000 shares out of the 1.5 lakh equity shares of Vasan Eye Care. The firm procured the shares at a throwaway price of Rs 100 per share. However, the report states that it actually paid only one-third, or Rs 33 per share. It sold 60,000 shares in two tranches of Rs 30,000 to Sequoia Capital Investments, a Mauritius-based investment fund. In the first tranche, 30,000 shares were sold at Rs 7,500 per share or Rs 22.5 crore. Assuming that the second tranche was also sold at the same price and if the balance shares are valued at the same price, then Vasan Eye Care's share would amount to Rs 112.5 crore that Advantage acquired at a mere Rs 50 lakh, according to the report. Now, that’s quite a killing, isn’t it?

What is the value of Karti's company Advantage’s Wealth?

Karti’s empire is spread across several countries, which would also mean several jurisdictions. The Singapore subsidiary of Advantage, Advantage Singapore, has real estate investments in at least 15 countries. But under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), the Enforcement Directorate can expand its probe to any geographies and seek help of international agencies if needed.

The bigger trouble in waiting for the Chidambarams may be the Aircel-Maxis case. In a nutshell, the whole story of the Aircel-Maxis case pertains to the forced selling of Aircel in 2006 by its owner entrepreneur C Sivasankaran, allegedly under pressure from former Union telecom minister Dayanidhi Maran. To return the favour, Maxis invested around Rs 47 crore in the Sun Group, owned by Dayanidhi Maran’s brother, Kalanidhi Maran. Karti allegedly facilitated the whole transaction through his firm Advantage Consulting and passed along the bribes.

In 2015, former finance minister P Chidambaram had said in an interview, "If the government wishes to target me, they should do so directly, not harass friends of my son who carry on their own businesses and have nothing to do with politics." But Chidambaram’s apparent attempt to politicise the issue may not work, since the Congress itself will not want to get involved in the case, given its seriousness and its larger political implications. There is immense pressure on the Narendra Modi government not to lower its guard against corruption.

Nobody is above the law, says BJP's Sambit Patra

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) probing into Karti Chidambaram case is seeking details of certain companies based in Monaco, a tax haven country of Western Europe. According to sources the Letter Rogatory (LR) was sent after the agency had unearthed leads during the probe of companies linked to Karti and his associates. India has tax information exchange agreement with Monaco for sharing banking and ownership information about the companies.

Visuals of Karti Chidambaram being taken to Patiala House court

CBI gave him a lot of chances but he continued with his lies, says Subramanian Swamy

Political sentiments depend on narratives. And narratives more often than not are built on signalling intent rather than actual progress or a patient approach. It is possible that Karti's arrest was forced by circumstances instead of procedure, but it presents the BJP with the chance to kill two birds with one stone: Regain the anti-corruption mojo and prove that graft breaches generational gap in the Congress. Read more here.

Karti Chidambaram's arrest could be an inflection point in the Bharatiya Janata Party's (BJP) attempt to regain the narrative against corruption. For a party which came into power on the back of a promise to clean the swamp and take action against the kingpins behind the UPA's scam-tainted regime, the Narendra Modi government's four-year stint at the Centre has been quite an anti-climactic experience.

BJP will take up the issue of Karti Chidambaram's arrest in Parliament

Earlier, Abhishek Manu Singhvi had said it is a coincidence that the arrest happened at a time when the nation is attacking the Centre on 'ChhotaModi'

Coincidence to have the arrest at a time when the nation is questioning Centre on 'ChotaModi': Manu Singhvi

Karti says, "I have cooperated with the CBI and I'll be vindicated"

Former finance minister P Chidambaram cancelled his Oxford lecture and is rushing back to India as his wife Nalini flew from Chennai to New Delhi a while ago.

Congress says Centre trying to deflect the heat from unprecedented bank scams

Moreover, allegations of a political vendetta by the Opposition against the government are uncalled for and utterly baseless. The criminal justice system of our country also involves the judiciary, and if the arrest or even harassment of the accused is politically motivated, the judiciary will, in all such cases, provide relief. Read more here.

If the investigation agencies are indeed in possession of such evidence, Karti's arrest should have ideally happened earlier. Another charge by the agencies, that Karti was in the process of destroying evidence, is again very serious, and when proven, will make the accused ineligible for bail. One of the primary grounds for rejection of bail is the destruction of evidence, as has been established in Criminal Law.

Claiming vendetta isn't enough; it's time to substantiate charges with evidence

PM and his ministers using political witchhunt and malicious intent to deflect heat from bank scam, says Congress

Defence lawyer Abhishek Manu Singhvi tells Court that it is the most bizarre case against Karti Chidambaram. The arrest is motivated. He hasn't been given a single summon in last 6 months and the allegations made by the CBI that he is not cooperating is not true when no summon has been issued after August 2017. Singhvi further says Karti has no connection with the Advantage Strategic Consulting (P) Limited which allegedly received kickbacks and always co-operated with ED and CBI in the case.- ANI

CBI will explain all details we don't wish to interfere, says Ravi Shankar Prasad

BJP National General Secretary Ram Madhav says, "Law taking its own course, had it been vindictive it would have happened in the first year of our government. It took four years because a due legal process was followed. The agencies followed the process diligently & came to a conclusion."

Had it been vindictive it would have happened in the first year of govt, says Ram Madhav

Indrani Mukherjea had named Karti in a statement where she had said Karti had demanded $ 1 million for FIPB clearance.

CBI seeks custody of Karti on grounds of Karti demanding $ 1 million for FIPB clearance

Former finance minister P Chidambaram's son Karti's one-day CBI custody will come to an end on Thursday. The court is set to hear his bail plea on Thursday, reported News18.

"In their statement before ED, Peter alias Pratim Mukerjea and Indrani Mukerjea admitted that they had met P Chidambaram in his office in North Block, where Chidambaram told them to help the business of his son Karti, and to make foreign remittances for this purpose. They further admitted to having met Karti Chidambaram in Hotel Hyatt in Delhi, where a demand for illegal gratification of $1 million was made. It was further admitted that Karti Chidambaram suggested the names of Chess Management and Advantage Strategic as alternatives to make payments," the ED documents accessed by Firstpost said.

The promoter of INX Media Limited Peter and Indrani Mukerjea has named former finance minister P Chidambaram and even told the Enforcement Directorate (ED) sleuths that he had asked them to help out the business of his son Karti Chidambaram during a meeting at North Block.

Indrani, they said, had confirmed in her statement to the CBI and ED that a payment of $7 lakh was made to the bank accounts of overseas firms linked to Karti.

The couple had also admitted that they subsequently met Karti at a five-star hotel in Delhi, where he allegedly made a demand of $1 million, they said, adding that this was reiterated by Indrani before the magistrate as well.

Karti Chidambaram was arrested by the CBI on Wednesday on the basis of confessional statements of INX Media Limited directors Peter and Indrani Mukerjea, alleging that they paid $7 lakh to him on the instructions of his father P Chidamabaram, as quid pro quo for a FIPB clearance, officials said.

Karti sent to his rightful place i.e. behind bars, says BJP spokesperson Gaurav Bhatia

'Karti's arrest comes when nation is after Centre over Nirav Modi', says AM Singhvi

Speaking to CNN-News18, AAP leader Ashutosh said, "The Modi government has no answers on Nirav Modi. Law should be equal to everybody. They are trying to create news so that people's attention is diverted."

Narendra Modi govt has no answers on Nirav Modi, trying to divert people's attention: AAP leader

Congress communications in-charge Randeep Surjewala said it was a classic diversionary tactic to hide "corruption scams, mal-governance and mal-administration that have marred this government".

While the Congress accused the BJP-led government of indulging in "political vendetta" and using the arrest as a "tactic" to divert attention from banking and other scams, the saffron party rejected the charge, saying there was no interference from the government and the law was taking its own course.

The arrest of senior Congress leader P Chidambaram's son Karti Chidambaram on Wednesday led to a political slugfest between the Congress and the BJP.

Karti Chidambaram's arrest comes after his father and former finance minister P Chidambaram filed a petition in the Supreme Court alleging “continued harassment” of him and his family, reported The Hindu.

Following son Karti's arrest, senior Congress leader P Chidambaram, who was in England at the time, has cancelled his engagements and returned to New Delhi, reported Business Standard . Among his engagements was the Oxford Union debate on the motion “This House Regrets the Partition of India” on Thursday evening.

"Karti then tried to persuade Jet Airways to let him use his frequent flyer mileage to get an upgrade. The CBI resisted and managed to get him to fly economy," a senior agency official told India Today TV.

According to India Today , Karti Chidambaram demanded he be flown first class to New Delhi after his arrest at Chennai airport on Wednesday morning. However, the CBI was firm that rules only allowed travel by economy class.

Following arrest Karti Chidambaram wanted to fly first class to New Delhi: Report

Rejecting the CBI claim, senior counsel Abhishek Manu Singhvi said both charges against his client were false. He said Karti appeared before the CBI and Enforcement Directorate for 30-40 hours and cooperated.

The CBI counsel told the Duty Magistrate that they needed his custodial interrogation since he was not cooperating with the probe and was going abroad frequently.

In Delhi, Metropolitan Magistrate Sumit Anand granted the remand till 12.30 pm on Thursday when a regular CBI court will hear the agency that sought a 15-day remand of Karti for detailed questioning.

"Absolutely, political vendetta," he said and expressed confidence that he will eventually be vindicated.

While being taken to the court, Karti said his arrest was an act of political vendetta by the Narendra Modi government.

RECAP: Karti claims arrest is an act of 'political vendetta' by Modi govt

The defence counsel said Karti was ready for any conditions like surrender of passport and remaining within the city apart from marking daily attendance.

Describing the arrest as "malafide", Singhvi jocularly remarked that Karti was not a "Hindustan Leaver, but Hindustan Returner" for which he got the reward of arrest at the airport.

Singhvi said after 28 August last year, the CBI never issued summonses and whenever he went abroad he took court permission. He also rejected the charge of possible tampering with the evidence by Karti, saying this was a 10-year-old case based on documents and there was no question of tampering.

Rejecting the CBI claim, senior counsel Abhishek Manu Singhvi said both charges against his client were false. He said Karti appeared before the CBI and Enforcement Directorate for 30-40 hours and cooperated.

"His silence on the entire saga raises serious questions about the role of the Narendra Modi government in the escape of (Punjab National Bank scam accused) Nirav Modi and Mehul Choksi," Mumbai Congress President Sanjay Nirupam said.

On the other hand, the party said, despite India's biggest bank loot happening under his watch, Prime Minister Narendra Modi had not answered a single legitimate question on the subject.

The Maharashtra Congress and the party's Mumbai city unit on Wednesday flayed the arrest of former Union minister P Chidambaram's son Karti Chidambaram, calling it "political vendetta" and said the Centre was "relying on statements of "habitual liar" Indrani Mukerjea in the matter.

CBI to ask for more time to grill Karti Chidambaram based on Indrani Mukherjea's claims, reports CNN-News18

The note further pointed out that this fact was also stated by Indrani in a statement recorded by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) before a magistrate under section 164 CrPC where she confirmed payment of $700,000 abroad.

"In their statement before ED, Peter alias Pratim Mukerjea and Indrani Mukerjea admitted that they had met P Chidambaram in his office in North Block, where Chidambaram told them to help the business of his son Karti, and to make foreign remittances for this purpose. They further admitted to having met Karti Chidambaram in Hotel Hyatt in Delhi, where a demand for illegal gratification of $1 million was made. It was further admitted that Karti Chidambaram suggested the names of Chess Management and Advantage Strategic as alternatives to make payments," the ED documents accessed by Firstpost said.

On Wednesday morning, police in Delhi swung into action following Karti's arrest in Chennai. The Patiala House court complex turned into a fortress, reported India Today . Barricades were put up. Karti's mother Nalini Chidambaram was also present when her son was brought in. Both were seen in conversation after the arguments concluded.

According to Business Standard , the Patiala Court will also be hearing the bail plea of S Bhaskararaman, Karti's CA, regarding the same case. He had filed the plea before the court on Wednesday. The Enforcement Directorate had arrested Bhaskararaman from a hotel on 16 February, after which he was sent to judicial custody for 14 days on 26 February, the report added.

It is to be understood that a mere denial holds no value in the eyes of law, or for people at large; it should be substantiated with evidence.

Even principally, such heinous allegations can't be brushed aside by just terming them "political vendetta". If at all the Congress party thinks that such actions are a result of a witch-hunt, it is incumbent upon them to come out with a factual rebuttal of the charges. These allegations have been floating in the media for over a year now, and all the Chidambaram father-son duo has done is deny them, instead of actually disproving them.

If one gets into details of the charges against Karti Chidambaram, his arrest will hardly come as a surprise. Instead, it would only look delayed, argues Raghav Pandey in this Firstpost article .

Claiming vendetta isn't enough; it's time to substantiate charges with evidence

Karti Chidambaram to seek bail today on grounds of being a law abiding citizen

Karti Chidambaram to be produced at Patiala House court at 12.30 pm

Karti Chidambaram being questioned at CBI headquarters in New Delhi

Quoting CBI sources, CNN-News18 reported that the investigative agency is hinging its argument to detain Karti Chidambaram to CBI custody in the INX Media case based on his CA, S Bhaskararaman and Indrani Mukherjea's statement.

Karti Chidambaram to be produced before Patiala House Court at 2 pm

According to CNN-News18, senior government lawyer Tushar Mehta will be representing the CBI in Thursday's hearing.

Ahead of Karti Chidambaram's hearing on Thursday at the Patiala House court complex, former finance minister P Chidambaram is reportedly at lawyer Abhishek Manu Singhvi's house, according to CNN-News18.

P Chidambaram is at lawyer Abhishek Manu Singhvi's house ahead of hearing at 2 pm, reports CNN-News18

Around 200 Congress leaders held protests in Chennai on Thursday, raising slogans against the BJP over Karti Chidambaram's arrest, reported News18 . Questioning teh truth behind Indrani Mukherjea's statement implicating Karti and his father P Chidambaram, Congress leader Peter Alphonse said: "How can you trust the statement of Indrani Mukerjea? Her mental status is questionable. She has been in jail for two years. Her statement is questionable in court of law. This is a case of political vendetta.”

CBI is doing its job, says Home Minister Rajnath Singh

Meanwhile, former finance minister P Chidambaram and lawyer Abhishek Manu Singhvi, have left for the Patiala House court complex, reported CNN-News18.

According to CNN-News18, former finance minister P Chidambaram may be questioned by the CBI. Quoting CBI sources, the report said that he may be interrogated in the FIPB clearance case.

Speaking to CNN-News18, Subramanian Swamy said that he would give Indrani Mukerjea's statement weight because the CBI also has other collateral evidence to support it. He also said that he expects that former finance minister P Chidambaram will soon be taken into CBI custody for interrogation before the end of this month.

P Chidambaram will be joining his soon in CBI custody: Subramanian Swamy

Former finance minister P Chidambaram and Karti's lawyer Abhishek Manu Singhvi met just before the hearing at the latter's residence, India Today reported. The news channel said that the two Congressmen thrashed out a strategy to counter CBI's case against Karti.

However, Singhvi has previously also argued that Karti has been based out of India and has always answered CBI summons. This leaves no room for an arrest, the lawyer had argued.

According to CNN-News18, the CBI has argued in the case that Karti Chidambaram is not cooperating in probe and has been repeatedly going out of the country, making it difficult for the agency to interrogate him. The agency has sought 14-day custody of the former finance minister's son basis this argument.

According to Times Now, CBI sources have said they want to jointly grill Karti Chidambaram and his CA to match the disparities in their statements and confront onw with the claims made by the others. The investigation agency has sought a 14-day remand of the veteran Congress leader's son.

Want to jointly grill Karti, his CA, says CBI

According to media reports, CBI lawyers have argued that the agency could not question Karti Chidambaram yesterday, when he was remanded to a 1-day custody, as he got admitted to a hospital and evaded questioning. The agency has now asked court to extend his remand.

CBI says couldn't question Karti, he spent last night in hospital

FIPB Board members who cleared INX deal also to be grilled by CBI: CNN-News18

Karti's mother Nalini Chidambaram, who is also a senior advocate, was also seen sitting with him in the court. Senior advocate Abhishek Manu Singhvi is leading the team of advocates for Karti.

Mehta, appearing in court on behalf of the CBI has argued that the agency is going plainly by evidence and that there is no political vendetta driving the case against Karti.

Delhi's Patiala House Court has reserved its order on the bail plea of Karti Chidambaram's chartered accountant. He will stay in jail till 7 March. There are reports that the CBI wants to jointly grill Karti and his CA to match up claims made by the two.

Singhvi, arguing in favour of Karti Chidambaram, called the case built up CBI bizarre. He said that the agency is making deliberate attempt to prejudice the court with half-baked facts, NDTV reported.

He then answered his question by saying that CBI didn't summon him because they did not have anything to ask.

Times Now reported that Singhvi told the court that the investigative agency has not issued a single summon to Karti after August 2017. The veteran lawyer and Congress leader asked that if tCBI felt that Karti was non-cooperative, they could have issued fresh summons. "Why did they not do so," he asked.

There is clear evidence of links between Karti Chidambaram and various companies, the CBI told the court. "We have emails and invoices indicating money was given to Advantage Strategic Consultancy Private Limited (ASCPL) in the time period when INX media received favours," CBI said claiming that all the companies could be traced back to Karti's businesses.

The party flagged the several banking scams unearthed recently and questioned the government's silence and inability to bring back absconding accused.

"Loot and scoot appears to be the modus operandi of thugs under this government," Randeep Surjewala said while addressing a press conference while the court was hearing the bail plea of Karti Chidambaram.

Abhishek Manu Singhvi said in court that the that the agency has failed to produce any new facts in the case, from what it had in May 2017 when the case was first registered. He said that the sole basis of arrest was Indrani Mukerjea's statement, which he said was accepted in whispers inside the court.

Congress flags other banking scams in presser, says govt allowed Jatin Mehta, wife to flea India

Abhishek Manu Singhvi told the court that the companies under lens for financial irregularities are not linked to Karti Chidambaram or any of his businesses. He also said that the CBI was only floating empty invoices for the benefit of the media. "Mere empty invoices, without proof of any payment being recieved is useless," Singhvi claimed.

'Karti not linked to companies under lens, invoices without payment useless': Abhishek Manu Singhvi argues in court

" How can CBI now cite statements of a couple (Indrani Mikerjea and Peter Mukerjea) which is being prosecuted by the same agency in Sheena Bora murder case and also in INX Media Case? You can't rule out they roped in Chidambarams in INX Media Case to seek certain favours in lieu of it," Singhvi argued.

Can't rely on statements of those charged under murder: Abhishek Manu Singhvi

The special court hearing Karti Chidambaram's bail plea and the CBI's request to a 14-day remand has reserved its order on both these issues. The order is expected shortly.

He said that Karti has appeared before the agency whenever he was called and therefore there is no basis for arrest or custody.

Pointing out that the legal basis to grant remand, or deny bail are mainly three threats, Singhvi said that Karti CHidambaram was neither at a flight risk, nor could the CBI prove any tampering of evidence, and there is no non-cooperation.

‘No flight risk, tampering with evidence, or non-cooperation’ Singhvi on CBI’s demand for custody

Special Judge Sunil Rana, who is hearing the demand of the agency seeking Karti's 14 days custodial interrogation, allowed him to meet his father P Chidambaram and mother Nalini Chidambaram inside courtroom in the presence of investigating officer. The order is expected shortly.

Karti Chidambaram is accused of seeking government clearance for foreign investments worth around Rs. 300 crore in television company INX Media in exchange for bribes back in 2007, when his father P Chidambaram was the Union finance minister.

Recap: Karti Chidambaram accused of accepting pay offs in return of govt clearance for FDI in INX media

Karti Chidambaram's lawyer Abhishek Manu Singhvi told the press that the CBI failed to prove how the bribe money allegedly travelled, or to provide remittance for the so called pay offs. "Matter has ended on fact that CBI is referring to large volumes of material not shared with us. But we've been able to show there is no case. Now we are leaving the matter to court," Singhvi said.

CBI based arguments on new evidence previously undhared with us: Karti Chidambaram's lawyers

Karti, CBI officials' snap at each other over use of language

The CBI officials wanted Karti Chidambaram to remove the gold chains he is wearing, when in custody, but he expressed his reluctance to do so. His lawyer told the court that he wears them for religious reasons. At this point the judge had to interfere and ask both parties to not spar on trivial things and proceed with the investigation, NDTV reported. Moreover, Karti's request to be allowed to have home food was turned down.

Karti allowed to wear gold chains in custody but no to home food; can see lawyers twice a day

Karti Chidambaram, who was directly taken into CBI custody until 6 March as soon as the court pronounced its order, shouted across to the media that he will be vindicated, NDTV reported. Meanwhile, his father P Chidambaram maintained a stoic silence, as media personals hurled questions at him, both on his way in and out to the court.

Watch: Karti Chidambaram being taken out of court

The senior advocate, who has been representing Karti in the legal battle before the Supreme Court, said this was a case of "pure vendetta" as the CBI was helpless and had to take refuge of a statement by Indrani Mukerjea, an accused charged with murdering her own daughter.

The arrest of Karti Chidambaram by the CBI in the INX media case shows that the Indian investigating agencies are no longer caged parrots but "a singing parrot" of the government, senior Congress leader Kapil Sibal said.

The Bench headed by Chief Justice Dipak Misra has refused to grant interim protection to Karti from arrest by ED Senior Advocate Kapil Sibal,who appeared for Karti said Karti will be arrested by ED once the CBI custody is over (Toda). He submitted that it is the same transactions for which, his client is in CBI custody presently and ED can’t investigate him without any FIR.

Supreme Court issued notice to Enforcement Directorate for quashing of all criminal proceedings initiated against him under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) by the Enforcement Directorate in connection with FIPB approval for Aircel-Maxis and INX Media in 2006 and 2007.

In the petition, Karti said the ED's action is "the serious infringement of the Petitioner's fundamental right to live with dignity guaranteed under Article 21 read with Articles 14 and 19 of the Constitution of India."

Supreme Court also sought response from the Enforcement Directorate on Karti Chidambaram's fresh plea seeking protection from arrest. The top court lists matter for hearing on 8 March.

Supreme Court next hearing on Karti's plea seeking protection from arrest on 8 March

News18 reports that CBI cited the joint interrogation of Karti and Indrani Mukerjea of INX Media to extend the custody of the businessman. Appearing for Karti, Abhishek Manu Singhvi, who also happens to be a senior Congress leader, stressed on personal liberty.

CBI to seek eight days more of custodial interrogation of Karti Chidambaram in INX Media case. But Karti looks to seek bail, and is likely to move Delhi High Court if denied this relief. CBI wants the hearing in post-lunch session.

While the CBI has sought an extension of custody of Karti Chidambaram, there is confusion over the number of days. While Bar & Bench is reporting that the apex investigation agency has demanded an extension of six days, Live Law is reporting seven days. CNN-News18, on the other hand, is stating that the CBI is seeking 9-day custody of Karti.

According to the Income Tax department, Karti Chidambaram used the money that he received as bribe from Indrani Mukherjee to buy property in the United States.

Former media executive Indrani Mukerjea has reportedly claimed that Karti Chidambaram demanded $1 million from her, and that she paid him a part of this sum, at a hotel in New Delhi last year. After Firstpost reported on this allegation on 28 February, a confessional video, accessed by Times Now, depicts Indrani making the same allegation, adding that she "doesn't care" about her credibility being questioned by Karti, or his father, former finance minister P Chidambaram, because she recorded her testimony before a magistrate under section 164 of the CrPC. Mukerjea, according to the on-camera revelation released by Times Now, also claimed that she met P Chidambaram in his North Block office.

Indrani Mukerjea claims on camera that businessman demand $1 mn from her

Senior Congress leader and lawyer Kapil Sibal, who is representing Karti Chidambaram in the case, told the bench on Tuesday that Karti Chidambaram should not be arrested since there is no FIR by the Enforcement Directorate, NDTV reporrted.

CBI will file a reply seeking two weeks time to respond. Karthi has filed for bail in Patiala House Court. The plea was filed on Monday. Karti has said that he will be co-operating with the investigation agencies. On the bail application, CBI will file an application seeking 2 weeks to respond. Apart from that. CBI has moved application seeking further 9 days custody.

Hearing has begun now. Tushar Mehta tenders unconditional apology for the delay.

Tushar Mehta says, "Our investigation is not just about the 164 statements of Indrani. We have more evidence." He asks asks the judge to read a few paragraphs from the documents given earlier in a sealed envelope. "We have recorded the confrontation with Indrani as well which if the judge wants we can put it in front of you," he continues. Mehta adds that some development happened on Monday which has not been told in open court.

In the last four days, there has been substantial progress. It is based on this that CBI seeks nine days remand. CBI says that Karti is not cooperating, adds that he is playing the victim card.

According to NDTV, Karti Chidambaram is seated on the left side of the room along with the CBI officials for the hearing. His parents are present at the other side.

NDTV reports Karti Chidambaram's lawyer Abhishek Manu Singhvi as saying that " This is a malafide attempt to keep Karti Chidambaram in custody. Tomorrow the CBI may cite more reasons demanding extended custody,"

Key accused Indrani Mukherjea's statement is just one of the evidences, says Additional Solicitor General Tushar Mehta.

New revelations have come up in INX Media case which can't be disclosed and Karti is not cooperating, PTI quoted CBI as telling the court.

Singhvi counters CBI's claim, says on behalf of Karti, "If I am silent, that does not mean I am non-cooperative"

Speaking in the court, Karti's lawyer Abhishek Mnau Singhvi argues, "None of the conditions by CBI is such that it could not be meet without Karti in custody. It can be done by interrogating, summoning or calling him from 9 am to 6 pm. How is their investigation hampered by not having him in custody ? Singhvi continues, "Mehta is not forwarding material to the judge but is giving his personal opinion or subjective notes which is not credible or relevant . Such notes cannot be the basis to keep me in custody."

Karti can be interrogated without keeping him under custody, says Singhvi

While the Patiala House Court has reserved the order on Karti's bail application, we will come to know if he will get bail or not at 4.30 pm.

Abhishek Manu Singhvi argues, "It comes down to three factors: flight risk, direct tampering of evidence and non-cooperation. This non-cooperation is not by way of answers given but by way of not submitting before the court."

Singhvi says it comes to 3 factors of flight risk, direct tampering of evidence and non-cooperation

CBI gave no reasons but kept repeating 'we have to interrogate': Singhvi

Singhvi's last argument was Karti is not a terrorist with a bomb that he cannot be interrogated without keeping him in custody.

Karti's CBI custody extended to 3 days, next hearing on 9 March at 2 pm

I-T claims that Karti spent Rs 3.3 crore on US property and bought assets with the INX bribe money. Sources say Karti will be prosecuted under black money laws, CNN-News 18 reported. CBI said original will that gave firm to Karti's minor daughter was missing.

I-T said Karti spent Rs 3.3 crore on US property

While the Patiala House Court has reserved the order on Karti's bail application, we will come to know if he will get bail or not at 4.30 pm.

Abhishek Manu Singhvi argues, "It comes down to three factors: flight risk, direct tampering of evidence and non-cooperation. This non-cooperation is not by way of answers given but by way of not submitting before the court."

Singhvi says it comes to 3 factors of flight risk, direct tampering of evidence and non-cooperation

Argued CBI hasn't given a single ground or written a single reason in its application for further remand. #KartiChidambram only had a 25-minute long confrontation with Indrani Mukerjea &around 2 hrs long interrogation in last 5 days & there is no need of further custody:A Singhvi pic.twitter.com/38Lm70RSH1

CBI gave no reasons but kept repeating orally that we have to interrogate. Court will pronounce judgement at around 4:30 pm today: A Singhvi, #KartiChidambram 's lawyer in #INXMediaCase pic.twitter.com/nSSyrugy62

CBI gave no reasons but kept repeating 'we have to interrogate': Singhvi

Singhvi's last argument was Karti is not a terrorist with a bomb that he cannot be interrogated without keeping him in custody.

I have nothing to say. Let's wait for the Court's order: Additional Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, counsel for CBI #INXMediaCase pic.twitter.com/IR0l0jQGE8

Karti's CBI custody extended to 3 days, next hearing on 9 March at 2 pm

I-T claims that Karti spent Rs 3.3 crore on US property and bought assets with the INX bribe money. Sources say Karti will be prosecuted under black money laws, CNN-News 18 reported. CBI said original will that gave firm to Karti's minor daughter was missing.

I-T said Karti spent Rs 3.3 crore on US property

P Chidambaram and Nalini Chidambaram outside Delhi's Patiala House Court. #KartiChidambram has been sent to 3 more days of CBI Custody by Special CBI Court in #INXMediaCase . pic.twitter.com/u7Lx18TFcD

Latest updates

The CBI today arrested Karti Chidambaram, son of former Finance Minister P Chidambaram, in connection with its probe in the INX media case, officials said. Delhi's Patiala House court sent Karti Chidambaram to one-day police custody.

Karti was arrested at Chennai airport at around eight in the morning when he returned from the United Kingdom, they said.

Karti Chidambaram has been arrested in Chennai in the INX Media case for non-cooperation with the CBI. He is set to be brought to Delhi later in the evening.

#FLASH Karti Chidambaram taken into custody by CBI at Chennai Airport over INX media case. pic.twitter.com/91WjX5fQ80 — ANI (@ANI) February 28, 2018

Karti Chidambaram has landed in Delhi, according to Times Now. CBI cars are waiting in which he will be taken to Patiala House court.

The focus of CBI's remand application is that once Chess Management was hired, rules were made for his 'services'

Both P Chidambaram as well as Nalini Chidambaram have refused to answer any questions about Karti's arrest, reported CNN-News18 and India Today.

The Congress has reacted to Karti Chidambaram's arrest, saying it was "diversionary tactics", and a result of "political vendetta" by the Centre.

With the arrest coming only a day before the Parliament reconvenes, political observers told NDTV that it could blunt the Opposition's attack on the government's alleged soft stance on corruption.

The CBI had earlier carried out searches at the homes and offices of Karti across four cities for allegedly receiving money from the media firm owned by the Peter and Indrani Mukerjea to scuttle a tax probe.

The CBI had filed the FIR against Karti Chidambaram and the Mukerjeas on charges of criminal conspiracy, cheating, receiving illegal gratification, influencing public servants and criminal misconduct.

The agency has alleged that Karti received money from INX Media for using his influence to manipulate a tax probe against it in a case of violation of Foreign Investment Promotion Board (FIPB) conditions to receive investment from Mauritius. The CBI has said it has also recovered vouchers of Rs 10 lakh which were allegedly paid for the services.

These vouchers were issued in favour of Advantage Strategic Consulting (P) Limited, a firm "indirectly" owned by Karti Chidambaram, the CBI had alleged.

Former finance minister P Chidambaram, after the CBI searches on 16 May, had issued a strong statement in response to the raids, saying the government was using the CBI and other agencies to target his son.