New Delhi: As part of its larger ongoing probe into the bribery allegations engulfing the Rs 3,546-crore contract for 12 VVIP helicopters, the CBI will also investigate the role played by a brigadier who allegedly demanded bribe from AgustaWestland to swing the other deal for 197 light utility choppers in its favour as well.
"With the CBI probing the VVIP helicopter contract, it's but natural that the agency will also examine the allegations made against the brigadier in the 197-helicopter project. We have also written to CBI about this matter," said a defence ministry official.
The Army earlier had asked the defence ministry to keep the over Rs 3,000 crore project for the 197 helicopters on hold till the inquiry against Brig V S Saini is completed to avoid any blowback later, as was reported by TOI last week.
Though AgustaWestland no longer figures in the competition for the 197-helicopter project, where Russian Kamov Ka-226T and Eurocopter AS 550 C3 Fenne choppers are locked in the final competition, the controversy about the brigadier has also pushed this proposed critical acquisition into cold storage.
12/04/13 Times of India
