Exclusive: Did CBI Chief Anil Sinha Play a Role in AgustaWestland?

Sinha attended a crucial meeting related to the scam as the IG, SPG in November, 2004.

The top cop of the Central Bureau of Investigation Anil Sinha attended a committee meeting on the AgustaWestland VVIP chopper deal on 8 November 2004, sources said.

Sinha was then the Inspector General (IG) in the Special Protection Group (SPG), engaged in the protection of the Prime Minister and other SPG protectees. Around four important meetings took place on the VVIP chopper deal, out of which Sinha participated in one.

What Happened in the 8 November Meeting?

According to sources, the meeting entailed a discussion on reducing the ceiling height of the helicopters from 6,000 m to 4,500 m. The changes ensured that AgustaWestland qualified for the contract. The meeting was attended by the following:

• Then Defence Secretary Ajay Vikram Singh
  
• Then Joint Secretary (Airforce) CR Mahapatra
  
• Officer on Special Duty at the PMO Rohit Kheda
  
• PMO director Pavan Kapoor
  
• Deputy Chief of Indian Air Force JS Gujral
  
• Then IG SPG Anil Sinha
  

Sources say that in his statement to the investigators, former Air Force Chief SP Tyagi said that the then Joint Secretary to the PMO, Sujata Mehta, complained to him, asking why the SPG’s opinion was not taken in reducing the ceiling height of the helicopters. Tyagi met Mehta after 8 November 2004 to discuss the reduction of the altitude ceiling.

The Quint wrote to the CBI asking whether Anil Sinha will be questioned in this case. We are still waiting for an official statement from the agency.

According to agency sources, several people linked to the case are being examined, including those who were present at the 8 November meeting. Which begs the question – why has Sinha not been examined yet?

So far, the CBI has not made any arrests in the AgustaWestland scam.

CBI Not Sharing Crucial Documents With ED

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) is investigating the money-laundering aspect of the AgustaWestland scam. According to ED sources, the CBI has not yet shared all the relevant documents pertaining to the scam.

We have asked the CBI several times to share the documents. The lack of these documents acting as an hindrance to our investigation. The Ministry of Defence shared all the documents with the CBI, that’s why we are dependent on them.

Senior Official, Enforcement Directorate

Is the CBI reluctant to share the AgustaWestland documents with the ED because they fear that it will bring up Sinha’s name? Does the CBI also fear that the ED might end up questioning Sinha?

PMO Wants Sinha to Stay Away From the Investigation

Sources have also confirmed that since Sinha’s role in changing the operational ceiling of the VIP helicopters may require scrutiny, the PMO has asked him to steer clear of the AgustaWestland investigation.

In the past, MK Narayanan resigned as the Governor of West Bengal in June 2014, after being questioned by the CBI in the AgustaWestland scam. Narayanan was the National Security Advisor in 2005 and attended meetings where technical specifications were amended for the 12 helicopters.

Former Goa Governor BV Wanchoo too resigned in July 2014, hours after he was questioned by the CBI. Wanchoo, a retired IPS official considered close to the Gandhi family, was then the head of the SPG.

Considering the fact that Narayanan and Wanchoo resigned from their posts because they were questioned by the CBI, is the CBI deliberately trying to hush up Sinha’s involvement? Will Sinha be allowed to investigate a high profile case, in spite of the fact that he was part of one of the key meetings which is now under scrutiny?