The CBI set up a Special Investigation Team (SIT) on Thursday for an expeditious probe into important cases, including the AgustaWestland VVIP chopper deal and the alleged wilful loan default by the now-defunct Kingfisher Airlines.
The SIT is headed by Additional Director Rakesh Asthana, a 1984-batch IPS officer of the Gujarat cadre. The officer had earlier headed the Gujarat SIT probing the Godhra train (Sabaramati Express) burning case.
He was also involved in the investigations into the fodder scam.
The move comes days after yet another round of questioning of some of the accused in the AgustaWestland case, including retired Air Chief Marshal S.P. Tyagi and his three cousins, Sanjeev, Rajiv and Sandeep Tyagi. The agency also quizzed accused lawyer Gautam Khaitan.
Agency awaits details
The CBI is still awaiting complete details of the transactions related to the chopper deal from seven countries.
After the recent Italian court’s judgment convicting former chiefs of AgustaWestland and its parent company Finmeccanica, the CBI is convinced that bribes were indeed paid.
The agency now has to identify those who received illegal gratification.
In the case against Kingfisher Airlines, the CBI has already questioned Mr. Mallya thrice.
