Middleman's driver reveals India links

ED gets leads in AgustaWestland case

Investigators are trying to locate a defence middleman in AgustaWestland deal, Christian Michel, through the funds he transfered to his driver in India till recently.

Official sources said the Enforcement Directorate has questioned the driver, Narayan Bahadur, last week and the latter has given information about Michel’s contacts in India.

The interrogation of Bahadur has helped investigators of the ED get some leads of the Indian contacts and fund sources of Michel, sources said.

Michel, a British national who is now believed to be in Dubai, is suspected to be one of the key middlemen in the Rs 3,600 crore deal for the 12 VVIP choppers. He has expressed his unwillingness to come to India as he fears arrest.

The driver was getting money from Michel through global wire fund transfer services and the investigators believe this could help them locate Michel. The ED and the CBI have obtained Interpol Red Notices against him. Bahadur used to ferry Michel from his hotel in central Delhi to his contacts in Lutyens’ Delhi and south Delhi. He did this for some 4 years, the sources said.

The ED had recently searched Bahadur’s premises during which the investigators got hold of some documents, which they believe would be of help to them in their investigations against Michel. The ED has already questioned former Air Force chief S P Tyagi, who is facing charges of taking bribe for helping AgustaWestland to grab the deal.