ED, CBI point to four more 'illegal' FIPB approvals under Chidambaram

Probe agencies said all information regarding offshore assets through Letter Rogatory (LR) issued to several foreign countries to obtain judicial assistance had been collected

Investigation by probe agencies has revealed irregularities in foreign investment clearances given by former finance minister P Chidambaram to four other companies, besides INX Media group and Aircel-Maxis, according to officials in the know.

Evidence collected by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) and Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) indicates kickbacks received by shell companies allegedly floated by the former FM’s son Karti P Chidambaram when approvals were granted by the erstwhile Foreign Investment Promotion Board (FIPB). 

Other four firms which are under the scanner are Diageo Scotland, Essar Steel, Katara Holdings and Elforge Ltd. These firms were granted FIPB approval when