INX Media case: CBI summons Chidambaram for questioning on June 6

Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has summoned P Chidambaram to appear on June 6 in connection with INX Media case, reported news agency ANI. 

Former union minister secured an interim protection from arrest till July 3 only yesterday from the Delhi High Court in the same case lodged by the CBI. 

Justice A K Pathak asked Chidambaram to join questioning and cooperate in the investigation as and when called by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI). 

The court also issued a notice to the CBI and sought its response on the senior Congress leader's anticipatory bail plea and listed the matter for further hearing on July 3, directing that the agency will not arrest him till then. 

Chidambaram's role has come under the scanner of investigating agencies in the Aircel-Maxis deal of Rs 3,500 crore and INX Media case involving Rs 305 crore. It was during his tenure as finance minister in the UPA-1 regime that FIPB clearance was granted to the two ventures in which alleged irregularities have been found. 

In the INX Media case, the CBI had registered an FIR on May 15 last year against alleged irregularities in the FIPB clearance to INX Media for receiving overseas funds to the tune of Rs 305 crore in 2007 when Chidambaram was finance minister. 

Chidambaram's son Karti Chidambaram was also arrested in the matter on February 28 for allegedly receiving funds to the tune of Rs 10 lakh in the case. He was granted bail on March 23. 

The other accused in the case include then INX Media Director Indrani Mukerjea and then INX News Director Peter Mukerjea. 

(With PTI inputs)