P. Chidambaram Tried to Influence Witnesses: CBI

NEW DELHI: The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) opposed the bail plea of former Finance Minister P. Chidambaram on Friday and told the Supreme Court that he had tried to ‘pressurize and influence’ key witnesses in the INX Media case.

After hearing both the sides, the bench of Justices R. Banumathi, A.S. Bopanna and Hrishikesh Roy reserved the order on Chidambaram’s bail plea. Solicitor General Tushar Mehta told the court that the statements of witnesses showing a clear case of former minister influencing witnesses was seen by the High Court based on which a categorical finding was recorded by the High Court.

Mehta said that the statements of witnesses are placed before the trial court but not along with the chargesheet so as to ensure anonymity of these witnesses and to ensure that they are not further pressurized.

Mehta said that the witness knows the key details of the case and his statement is also recorded before a magistrate and thus the apprehension expressed by such witness is not before the investigating agency but before a judicial authority.

He also informed the court that one of the co-accused Indrani Mukerjea has been granted pardon and made an approver.

As the investigation in the case is at a crucial stage, the release of Chidambaram would pose a serious threat to the investigation more particularly when the accused - who is very influential and powerful - is capable of not only influencing the witnesses but his mere presence would intimidate witnesses and hamper the investigation, Mehta said.

“Under the circumstances, it would be hazardous and against the interest of the investigation to release the accused on bail at such a crucial stage,” CBI said. (IANS)

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