P Chidambaram appears before ED for second time in Aircel-Maxis case

Former finance minister P Chidambaram was summoned for Tuesday after he was first questioned on June 5 by the Enforcement Directorate.

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) on Tuesday questioned former finance minister P Chidambaram for a second time in the Aircel-Maxis case.

Former finance minister P Chidambaram appeared before the Enforcement Directorate for the second round of questioning in the Aircel-Maxis money laundering case. (PTI Photo)

The senior Congress leader arrived at the agency’s office at around 11am for recording his statement under the provisions of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act. He was questioned for over five hours. He was earlier questioned on June 5, when fresh summons were issued for Tuesday.

ED is probing the circumstances involved in the approval given to the Malaysia-based Maxis group for investment in Indian telecom company, Aircel, in 2006. As finance minister, Chidambaram could only approve foreign investment proposals up to Rs 600 crore but it is alleged that he approved for the Aircel-Maxis deal, which was worth Rs 3,500 crore.

“We are probing the circumstances that led Chidambaram to approve the Aircel-Maxis deal and to see if his son received any kickback for it,” said an ED officer on the condition of anonymity. The Congress leader’s son, Karti, has already been questioned by the agency in the case.

Chidambaram has maintained that all norms were followed while approving the deal.