The government on Wednesday ordered a fresh probe into the allegations of malpractices in procurement of 12 helicopters for the VVIP Communication Squadrons of the Indian Air Force from the Italian firm AgustaWestland.
“Any such complaint or allegation received will be investigated and the contractual provisions will be invoked, in case any wrongdoing is established, in addition to action that may be required under law,” the Defence Ministry said in a statement.
Earlier, replying to a question by reporters on the issue outside the Parliament House, Defence Minister A.K. Antony said he would “seriously” pursue the inquiry into the allegations of corruption in the chopper deal.
“I can assure you I will seriously pursue the inquiry,” he said.
“When previously the reports appeared, I had asked the Defence Secretary to immediately inquire into it. He wrote to the Indian Ambassador in Italy and he got the report,” Mr. Antony said.
According to a media report, Italy is probing allegations that helicopter manufacturer AgustaWestland paid a commission of over Rs. 350 crore to a Switzerland-based consultant for a deal to sell choppers to India.
Keywords: Indian Air Force, Italian firm Agusta Westland, chopper deal
It is really frustrating to read this kind of scandals.In India not a single deal is fair.I think india should not do any kind of deal with foreign countries.Because its really disheartening that we are paying tax who utilises all the money.
There must be a provision to call back and debar him/her on taking any constituitional positiona or govt. offices incharges once his involvement on corruption is proved. Atleast this much should be demanded quickly if not full fledged lokpal bill.
With all the political shenanigans is there any doubt about malpractices involved in any and all foreign procurements? When does the general populace open its eyes and demand for a robust system which is transparent and with checks and balances. As a person of Indian origin it disgusts me to read about these scandals involving politicians and their henchmen. It is really disheartening to realize that the so called democratic system is designed such that it works overtime against the growth of the country and the upliftment of the poor and the underprivileged.
What happened to the Italian marines who killed the innocent fishermen of the coast of kearla is the same thing which will happen to this case,no use perusing it.
Nothing is likely to happen as happened in the Bofors case. Italian companies seem to have a lot of clout.
How many such deals were executed without the knowledge of anybody.Only Mr.V.P.Singh exposed all the underhand dealings in defence.
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