The CBI has started another probe against UK-based helicopter supplier AgustaWestland for alleged corruption in the supply of light-utility-helicopters to the Army.
CBI sources said the preliminary inquiry has been registered on the request of the Defence Ministry after it emerged that a Brigadier-level officer allegedly promised to help AgustaWestland swing the 197-helicopter deal.
He had allegedly demanded $ 5 million for the job. The sources said Italian investigators, who are probing corruption allegations against AgustaWestland and its parent Italian firm Finmeccanica in that country, have found some documents which show that an Indian Army officer had allegedly demanded the bribe from the firm.
The information was provided to the Defence Ministry by the Italian investigators which forwarded it to CBI to look into the matter.
Finding prima-facie material to start investigations, the agency has registered a preliminary enquiry and might soon call the officer in question for examination.
The sources said they are going ahead with the preliminary enquiry as it needs to ascertain the nature of the crime, before proceeding with the registration of the case.
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