INX money laundering case: ED opposes Chidambaram’s bail plea in SC

The ED Tuesday opposed in the Supreme Court the bail plea of Congress leader P Chidambaram in the INX Media money laundering case claiming that he used the “influential office” of finance minister for “personal gains” and laundered proceeds of crime to conceal “tainted money”.

In a counter affidavit filed in the apex court, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) alleged that Chidambaram is not entitled for bail as sufficient evidence has come on record that he has been “indulging in destruction of evidence” and influencing the witnesses.

Chidambaram, being a former cabinet minister, is “very intelligent and influential man”, the ED claimed, adding that his mere presence can intimidate witnesses at this stage and there is direct evidence which shows that he has pressurised the witnesses to not join the investigation.