Air Chief Marshal (retd.) S.P. Tyagi, who is an accused in the VVIP helicopter scam, says he is worried more about perceptions than legality, demanding a time-bound conclusion to the ongoing investigations by the Indian agencies.
“I cannot fight the perception battle,” ACM Tyagi said. “The CBI has not spoken to me in three years,” he told The Hindu on Friday. Later in the day, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) issued summons to him for the first time since it registered a FIR in July 2014 for money laundering in connection with the purchase of 12 VVIP helicopters from AgustaWestland.
The CBI which was tasked to probe the irregularities had registered a FIR against him and 12 others on March 13, 2013. “The CBI called on after the Preliminary Enquiry was launched and raided my house the day after the FIR was filed. They have not spoken to me in the last three years,” he said.
In 1999 the IAF initiated the process to replace the Mi-8 helicopters operated its communication squadron which ferries VVIPs. The Air Force which formulated the Qualitative Requirements (QR) specified a service ceiling of 6,000 metres to enable them to land in high altitude areas.
ACM Tyagi said that then National Security Advisor (NSA) Brajesh Mishra questioned that as it created a single vendor situation in the tendering process. He suggested the height be changed to 4,500 m as was the case with Mi-8’s which would open the contest to several players. The Special Protection Group (SPG) which protects the PM too had certain observations. It was also pointed that there was no precedent to justify the need to fly at 6,000 m. “The IAF insisted on keeping the height at 6,000 m,” he noted.
The UPA government too expressed a similar opinion. ACM Tyagi took charge as Air Chief in November 2004. On March 1, 2005 NSA M.K. Narayanan chaired a meeting with Defence Secretary, Director IB, Director SPG and Deputy Air Chief and other relevant officials. Two things were decided — avoid single vendor situation and keep requirements same as that of the Mi-8s in service.
“After I signed the file on March 14, 2005 specifying the QRs, Defence Secretary Ajay Vikram Singh called a meeting with all agencies during which every point was discussed and concurred by everyone, ACM Tyagi said.
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