Karti denies graft charges, says raid was to silence his father

After seven-hour-long questioning by the CBI officials at his office here, Karti Chidambaram told mediapersons at around 9 pm that "they (CBI) have failed to gather anything substantial". "I have not read the FIR completely. Whatever I have heard only through media. It is completely bogus. I have never ever inferred in the functioning or interceded on behalf of anybody with the government of India. All the charges are completely bogus and I will stand vindicated one day," he said.

Stating that it is an attempt to suppress the "voice of my father", he said that the Centre first tried through ED and next they used the Income Tax department. "Now they are using the CBI," he accused. He noted that all his transactions are accounted and paying taxes regularly. "I am ready to face case politically and legally," he said.

When asked about his connection with INX Media, he said, "It is a lie. I have never done discussion with INX. I have never interceded on behalf of anybody with the Government of India."

TNCC president S Thirunavukkarasar said "It is an attempt by the BJP government to defame the good will enjoyed by Chidambaram. On issues like demonetization, in and outside the Parliament, he has put forth his views against the BJP government. Now, just to threaten and blackmail other Opposition parties, they [BJP] are doing these kind of things."