TNI Bureau: Defence Minister AK Antony broke his silence and revealed that the CBI has undertaken the probe the Rs 3,700 crore chopper deal, which created a storm in India after the arrest of Finmeccanica CEO Giuseppe Orsi in Italy on bribery charges.
Antony vowed not to spare anyone found guilty in the alleged scam, saying the company would be blacklisted if the bribery charges are proven. Antony also revealed that the Defence Ministry has sought details from the Indian Embassy and Italian Government on this matter.
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However, Antony clarified that he had no information about the role of former IAF Chief SP Tyagi in this deal. India had signed a deal to purchase 12 Agusta Westland executive aircrafts through Finmeccanica.
The choppers would be used for President, Prime Minister and other VVIPs. The total deal was signed at Rs 3,700 crore. It is being alleged that a bribe if Rs 362 crore was paid to some beneficiaries in India to secure the deal.