A political slugfest ensued between the ruling BJP and Congress on Thursday after news reports indicated that the National Anti-Corruption Bureau(NAB) of Ukraine alleged kickbacks worth over 2.6million dollars(Rs 17.55 crore)to some Defence Ministry officials for procuring spare parts for AN-32 transport aircraft of the IAF. The Defence Ministry categorically denied the report and said there are no allegations against any Indian Government official.
The Ukraine authorities had sought international legal assistance from the Indian Home Ministry in March this year to help in identifying the officials allegedly involved in the negotiations of the contract. Ukraine is investigating alleged kickbacks back home.
Issuing a clarification following the news report, the Defence Ministry also said neither its officials or of the IAF interacted with Global Marketing SP ltd. The news report said Ukraine’s investigating agency was probing the role of Global Marketing and possible involvement of the Indian officials in witnessing or facilitating the signing of a contract where Rs 17.55 crore were allegedly paid as kickbacks.
The Ministry also said Global Marketing has not participated in any of the meetings held towards finalisation of the contract dated November 26, 2014.