Karti tampered with evidence during visits abroad: CBI to SC

New Delhi: Karti Chidambaram, son of former Union Minister P Chidambaram, had "tampered" with evidence relating to an alleged graft case against him during his visits abroad in the months of May, June and July this year, the CBI alleged in the Supreme Court on Wednesday.

The agency told a bench headed by Chief Justice Dipak Misra that there was a need to issue a look out circular (LoC) against Karti as he had the "potential" to tamper with the evidence and he had done this during his visits abroad.

The CBI FIR, lodged on May 15, had alleged irregularities in Foreign Investment Promotion Board (FIPB) clearance to INX Media for receiving overseas funds to the tune of Rs 305 crore in 2007 when Karti's father was the Union Finance Minister.

"The LoC has two purposes. First, considering the investigation, he (Karti) may not become an outlaw and second, he can tamper with the evidence outside India," Additional Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, appearing for CBI, told the bench.

"I will show he (Karti) has the potential to tamper with the evidence. During May 13 to May 18 and second week of June to the second week of July, he went abroad and he did tamper with the evidence. I will justify this," Mehta told the bench, also comprising Justices A M Khanwilkar and D Y Chandrachud.

The court posted the matter for further hearing on October 9.

Karti has approached the Supreme Court on the issue of a summons issued to him by the CBI in the Aircel Maxis case.

Karti, who was asked by the CBI to appear for questioning in the matter on Wednesday, sent a five-page submission through his lawyer asking the agency not to insist on his appearance in the matter.

The submission termed the CBI's move to summon him for questioning in the Aircel Maxis matter "illegal and mala fide" and a bid to harass him and his family.