CBI Likely to Question Manmohan Singh Over AgustaWestland Scam

Former IAF Chief SP Tyagi’s defence lawyer claimed that it was the PMO which asked to review the service ceilings.

Former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh. Photo: Reuters

The CBI is likely to question former prime minister Manmohan Singh along with the former PMO officials over the Agustawestland VVIP chopper scam, News 18 reported quoting sources.

The CBI arrested former IAF chief, SP Tyagi for alleged bribes in the Rs 3600 crore chopper deal.

According to the investigating agency, Tyagi and his associates received 12 percent of the Rs 3,600 crore as kickback for the favour to the UK-based company.

Also Read: Ex-Air Chief SP Tyagi Arrested, But Doubts Over Charges Remain

However, Tyagi’s defence lawyer claimed that it was the PMO which asked to review the service ceilings.

Tyagi’s cousin Sanjiv alias Julie Tyagi and lawyer Gautam Khaitan, who were also arrested, denied any wrongdoing. It is alleged that Khaitan is the mastermind of the chopper deal.

The CBI is likely to question the former prime minister’s then principal secretary TKA Nair and former national security adviser MK Narayanan in connection to the case.

Congress Spokesperson Randeep Surjewala accused the CBI for “witch hunting” and coming after the former government to divert attention from the Modi government’s “demonetisation mess”.

The truth is AgustaWestland compartment height was changed by the then BJP government in November 2003. Has CBI questioned the Vajpayee ‘s PMO, the then defence Minister or then PMO officials? Stop witch-hunting. Why didn’t the CBI act in last 2 1/2 years? (Interim CBI Chief) Mr Asthana is acting like his master’s vendetta machine to divert attention from demonetisation mess.

(Source: News 18)