P Chidambaram Faces Prosecution in INX Money Laundering Probe

In a major breakthrough, India's Enforcement Directorate has obtained the green light to take former Union Finance Minister P. Chidambaram to trial in the INX Media money laundering case. This approval, dated February 10, 2026, has been submitted to the Rouse Avenue PMLA court, signaling an imminent escalation in legal battles.

Originating from a 2017 CBI FIR, the case accuses INX Media entities of corruption and fraud during Chidambaram's ministerial stint. The FIPB nod for foreign investment, later regularized, allegedly involved kickbacks routed through Karti Chidambaram's firms, forming the crux of the charges.

Unraveling a sophisticated laundering scheme, ED tracked how tainted funds were cycled through multiple layers—shell companies, share investments, and real estate—to mask origins. Total proceeds pegged at Rs 65.88 crore include confirmed attachments worth over Rs 65 crore.

Legal milestones include ED's initial complaint in 2020, court cognizance in 2021, and a 2024 supplement. The sanction fulfills Supreme Court directives on public servant prosecutions, clearing hurdles for trial commencement.

This development reignites spotlight on one of India's most scrutinized political-financial scandals. As proceedings unfold, it tests the judiciary's resolve against entrenched influence, with implications rippling through political landscapes. Chidambaram's defense now faces intensified scrutiny amid mounting evidence.