Loan fraud case: Chanda Kochhar, her husband Deepak Kochhar released from jail
Mumbai (PTI): Former ICICI Bank CEO and MD Chanda Kochhar and her husband Deepak Kochhar were released from jail on Tuesday morning, a day after the Bombay High Court granted them interim bail in a loan fraud case, a police official said.
Chanda Kochhar walked out of the Byculla women's prison in Mumbai, while her husband was released from the Arthur Road jail, the official said.
The CBI arrested Kochhars on December 23, 2022 in connection with the Videocon-ICICI Bank loan case.
The couple had filed petitions in the Bombay High Court challenging their arrest, terming it as illegal and arbitrary.
The HC on Monday granted them interim bail and came down heavily on the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) for making the arrest in a "casual and mechanical" manner and without application of mind.
The CBI named the Kochhars, Videocon group founder Venugopal Dhoot along with Nupower Renewables (NRL) - managed by Deepak Kochhar - Supreme Energy, Videocon International Electronics Ltd and Videocon Industries Ltd as accused in the FIR (first information report) linked to the case registered in 2019 under Indian Penal Code sections pertaining to criminal conspiracy and provisions of the Prevention of Corruption Act.
The central agency has alleged that ICICI Bank, headed by Chanda Kochhar from 2009 to 2018, sanctioned credit facilities to the tune of Rs 3,250 crore to these companies in violation of norms.
It further claimed that as a part of quid pro quo (Latin expression literally meaning "something for something"), Dhoot made an investment of Rs 64 crore in Nupower Renewables through Supreme Energy Pvt Ltd (SEPL), and transferred SEPL to Pinnacle Energy Trust managed by Deepak Kochhar through a circuitous route between 2010 and 2012.
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Can't speak kannada? Come to Delhi: CEO's post stirs debate on language, inclusivity
New Delhi: A social media post by Vikram Chopra, CEO of Cars24, has sparked controversy, raising questions about linguistic identity and workplace inclusivity. Chopra's post, shared on X (formerly Twitter), was directed at job seekers from Bengaluru interested in relocating to Delhi-NCR.
The post, which read, "Still can't speak Kannada after years in Bengaluru? It's okay. Aa jao Dilli (come to Delhi)," quickly garnered attention. Chopra added, "We are not saying Delhi NCR is better. Only that it really is. If you wish to come back, write to me at vikram@cars24.com with the subject - Delhi meri jaan."
While some interpreted the post as a humorous recruitment pitch, others condemned it for seemingly undermining the Kannada language. One social media user remarked, "This is probably not the message you would want to post in a hiring call. So basically you want north Indians/Delhiites in your team? The rest of the folks?"
Critics also questioned Chopra's reference to Delhi as 'better' and highlighted concerns over crime in the capital. Another user commented, "Delhi NCR has its charm, but before calling it 'better,' let's take a moment to consider the reality. A look at the crime data might offer a different perspective."
In response to the post, some supporters defended Chopra's message, arguing that it acknowledged the difficulties non-Kannada speakers face in Bengaluru. "I compliment you for this initiative. It's important that those who work live close to their families," wrote one user.
The controversy comes after Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah's call to foster a "Kannada atmosphere" across the state, urging all residents, regardless of linguistic background, to embrace the Kannada language in their daily lives.
"Can't Speak Kannada? Come To Delhi": CEO's Hiring Post Sparks Controversy https://t.co/FmujNpvpXe pic.twitter.com/fMJF5hRELW
— NDTV (@ndtv) December 20, 2024
