CBI raid on M K Stalin condemned by 'agitated' FM P Chidambaram

Within hours of CBI raids being unleashed against DMK's M K Stalin a clearly agitated Finance Minister P Chidambaram told reporters that he did not agree with the raids conducted in connection with alleged tax evasion of imported cars.

Finance Minister "strongly disapproved" of the CBI raid at DMK leader Stalin's residence in Chennai, saying the action is bound to be misunderstood.

"I strongly disapprove of CBI action. It is bound to be misunderstood," he said.

Chidambaram, a Lok Sabha MP from Sivaganga in Tamil Nadu, said normally he does not comment on the working of another department but in this case he had to react.

The Finance Minister said he came to know about the CBI action around 8.30 a.m and conveyed his feelings to the Minister in-charge of CBI.

"Whatever be the reason, I am afraid, it is bound to be misunderstood. I have conveyed my views to Minister in-charge," he said.

V Narayanasamy, who is the Minister of State in the PMO and Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT), is the Minister in-charge of CBI.

Asked to elaborate on the views conveyed by him, he said, "I suggest that you put further questions to Minister incharge or head of CBI".

The CBI carried out raids at 19 places across Tamil Nadu, including at the Chennai residence of Stalin, who is DMK chief M Karunanidhi's son, in a case of alleged tax evasion of imported cars.

The CBI team reached the house of Stalin in Chennai, who is alleged to be one of the beneficiaries of importing foreign cars, agency officials said.

The raids came close on the heels of DMK pulling out of the ruling UPA alliance and its five ministers resigning over the Sri Lankan Tamils issue.

DMK's M K Stalin is perceived to be the force behind the move to quit the UPA - it is reported he convinced party patriarch M Karunanidhi to take the final step and make the DMK ministers in central govt quit, which included his brother Alagiri.

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