ED gets PC’s remand till Oct 24

New Delhi, October 17

A Delhi court on Thursday sent former Finance Minister P Chidambaram for custodial interrogation by the ED till October 24 in the INX media money laundering case “to facilitate proper investigation in the case to reach a logical end”.

Special judge Ajay Kumar Kuhar allowed the Enforcement Directorate to quiz Chidambaram for seven days.

The court permitted the request of Chidambaram that he be allowed a separate cell, home-cooked food, western toilet, medicines, spectacles and visit by his family members and lawyers half and hour daily, after the ED did not oppose it.

The court also directed the ED to get him medically examined every 48 hours and to produce him on October 24. Chidambaram was interrogated and arrested on Wednesday in Tihar. In its order, the court noted that the case was being conducted consistently and some witnesses had been examined since September 6 and fresh material brought on record.

“Interrogation is the prerogative of the investigating officer. It is for him to decide when a person is to be arrested and when custodial interrogation will be required so that it proves fruitful. Courts give due regard to the discretion of IO about the manner in which he will conduct the investigation,” it said. 

The court also extended the judicial custody of Chidambaram till October 24 in the INX Media corruption case lodged by the CBI. — PTI