Chopper deal: CBI to grill Army officers

The Central Bureau of Intelligence (CBI) will soon examine army officers who were part of the selection process for the 197 light utility helicopter deal which came under scanner of Italian authorities during their probe into bribery allegations against AgustaWestland in VVIP helicopter agreement.

It was alleged that a Brigadier of the Army who was heading the flight trials in 2010 had demanded US $ 5 million from AgustaWestland to help swing the deal in favour of the company. The name of the officers surfaced during the probe carried out by Italian authorities in connection with the bribery allegations against AgustaWestland and Finmeccanica in the VVIP helicopter deal.

The agency has started a preliminary enquiry in the deal and asked at least five army officers, who were part of the selection process for the deal, to appear before it and help in its probe, CBI sources said. They said the agency has asked five army officers to appear for examination so that enquiry could be completed soon and decision on registering an FIR could be taken.

The authorities had found a letter which also formed part of their investigation report submitted in the Italian court. It claimed that the officer allegedly made contact with the company in Bangalore in January 2010.