JOIN USThe Central Bureau of Investigation plans to approach Czechoslovakia-based Tatra as to ascertain the reasons for supplying older technology based all-terrain vehicles to Bharat Earth Movers Ltd (BEML) even though it has better versions available.
Although the Central Bureau of Investigation has decided to send the query through 'Letters of Request', the agency is also planning to send a team to Czech Republic to meet the executives of the company in this regard, sources in the agency said.
This is the first time the Central Bureau of Investigationwill be approaching Original Equipment Manufacturer Tatra a.s in connection with the case although it has repeatedly questioned Vectra Chairman Ravinder Rishi and BEML officials.
Irregularities
The agency is probing alleged irregularities in assigning supply from the Czechoslovakia-based Tatra, with which the agreement was originally signed in 1986, to the Tatra-Sipox UK owned by Rishi in 1997 showing it as Original Equipment Manufacturer and the fully-owned subsidiary of the Czech company which was against rules, they said.
Sources in the investigation agency said no irregularity has surfaced on the part of Tatra a.s so far and neither the company is an accused in the case so there are no reasons to not cooperate in the probe.
Despite clause of indigenisation and upgrading of technology in the original agreement signed with Tatra a.s, the indigenisation process remained way behind satisfactory levels, sources added.
Central Bureau of Investigation sources said DRDO also procured vehicles from Tatra for its missile systems which fared much better than those procured by the Army through BEML.