New Delhi: The CBI has initiated a preliminary enquiry (PE) into allegations that a hotel in Tamil Nadu was grabbed by a relative of former finance minister P. Chidambaram in collusion with officials of a nationalised bank.

According to sources, K. Kathirvel, a doctor by profession and who was running the hotel in partnership with his associates, had accused Padmini, sister of Chidambaram’s wife Nalini, of grabbing the property in collusion with the bank officials. He had approached the Delhi high court which had sought a response from the CBI seeking to know the action taken in this regard.

Sources said that the CBI recently initiated a PE in this connection without naming anyone. Padmini passed away a few months ago.

The preliminary enquiry is the first step by the agency to verify allegations levelled by a complainant.

If it finds prima facie material indicating criminality, it moves ahead with a formal probe after registering an FIR in the matter.