TNI Bureau: The government has put on hold the helicopter deal after the CBI probe was ordered into it. Defence Minister AK Antony said that the culprits in the Rs 3600 crore scam will not spared at any cost.

The government came under fire after the scam was revealed following the arrest of Italian aerospace company Finmeccanica’s CEO Giuseppe Orsi in the ongoing corruption probe into helicopter sales to Indian government. Orsi was accused of paying bribes of about Rs 362 crore in India to get orders for helicopters.

Indian Defence ministry put on hold the receipt of remaining nine helicopters from Italian firm. Three AgustaWestland helicopters have already been delivered to India for use of VIPs in December last year.

Antony said strong action will be taken against the culprits or the deal can be cancelled after the preliminary inquiry report will be submitted by the CBI into the scam.