The Hindu : National : I went by Navy chief’s suggestion: Fernandes

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Tuesday, May 20, 2008
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I went by Navy chief’s suggestion: Fernandes

Special Correspondent

NEW DELHI: The Central Bureau of Investigation has recently questioned George Fernandes, Defence Minister in the NDA government, in connection with alleged irregularities in the purchase of seven Barak missiles worth Rs. 1,150 crore from Israel.

CBI officials visited the ailing Fernandes at his residence on two occasions and questioned him why the government went ahead with the purchase of the Barak Missile Systems despite reservations expressed by the then Cabinet Committee on Security, official sources said here on Monday.

Mr. Fernandes was also quizzed why the advice of the then Scientific Adviser to the Defence Minister, who objected to the purchase, was not presented before the CCS.

The sources said Mr. Fernandes told the CBI that he went by the recommendation of the then naval chief in the interest of national security.

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