The CBI has begun yet another probe against controversial AgustaWestland for alleged corruption in the supply of light utility helicopters to the Army.
The agency is already probing corruption charges against the UK-based firm for allegedly paying bribes to Indian officials to swing the deal in its favour for supply of VVIP choppers to the air force.
CBI has registered a Preliminary Enquiry following a request from the Defence Ministry. A Brigadier-level officer is alleged to have promised help to AgustaWestland to swing the deal for supply of 197-helicopters to the Army. The official allegedly demanded five million dollars from AgustaWestland for the favours.
The sources said Italian investigators, who are probing allegations against AgustaWestland and its parent Italian firm Finmeccanica in that country, have found some documents which show that the Indian Army officer had allegedly demanded the bribe from the firm.
The information was provided to the Defence Ministry by the Italian investigators which forwarded it to CBI to look into the matter. Finding prima-facie material to start investigations, the agency has registered a PE and is likely to call the officer in question for examination.
Through the PE, the agency wants to ascertain the nature of the crime and if sufficient evidence of corruption emerges from the enquiry, it will register a regular case.
The Army had planned to purchase 197-light utility helicopters to strengthen its Cheetah fleet but the deal has been hanging fire after the allegations of corruption surfaced. AgustaWestland was also embroiled in the bribery scandal involving ex-Indian Air Force chief SP Tyagi and his cousins.
Tyagi, AgustaWestland and its parent company Finmeccanica are among the 13 accused in the CBI case relating to the alleged payment of Rs 362 crore bribe to swing the deal for procurement of 12 helicopter in favour of the Anglo-Italian company.