Claims of ''investments'' by Karti and me in pvt healthcare firm false: Chidambaram

Chennai, September 20

Senior Congress leader and former Union Finance Minister P Chidambaram has dismissed claims that he and his son Karti held stakes in Vasan healthcare company, a firm accused of being involved in multi-crore pay offs while Chidambaram was part of UPA cabinet.

"Let me say clearly that the entire report is false, malicious and part of a political campaign against members of the UPA government or individuals belonging to the Congress party", he said in a statement referring to media reports.

"Neither I, my son nor any member of my family have any equity or investment or economic interest in the company concerned. I have no knowledge of events concerning the Income Tax department or its officers said to have taken place in June 2015 and subsequently. The UPA government demitted office in May 2014", he said.

He claimed the company had globally "renowned investors" who have invested in it and an eminent Board of Directors who will defend themselves against such allegations.

He also warned the press he would sue those publishing such reports.

"I would like to say through this statement that the media must be responsible and truthful. Carrying false and malicious reports without independent verification will certainly attract the provisions of law and I shall not hesitate to place the matter in the hands of my lawyers to take appropriate action under law,” he added.

An article in an English daily on September 17, 2015 accused JD Group of paying off P Chidambaram Rs 233 crore through Vasan Healthcare, a firm based in Chennai. The article called the sum "protection money" for "shielding illegal chitfund business".

The firm allegedly belongs to the Chidambaram familiy. — Agencies