Describing former IAF chief SP Tyagi as a “sound professional”, Air Chief Marshal Arup Raha on Tuesday said that he should not have been treated like a “common criminal”.
Tyagi, arrested on 9 December in the AgustaWestland chopper scam case, was granted bail on Monday by the Patiala House Court.
Special CBI Judge Arvind Kumar granted the relief to Tyagi on a personal bond of Rs two lakh and a surety of a similar amount.
“You know, it is sub-judice so it won’t be right for me to say anything. But, it is very unfortunate, I think for sure, that a person of his stature has been indicted by the CBI and other investigating agencies. He has been put under custody,” Raha told NDTV’s ‘Walk the Talk’ programme.
He said the arrest "obviously" hurts the morale of the people of the armed forces.
“I can’t say it doesn’t dent our image or reputation. It definitely does and I am sure we will go by the law of the land. And the judicial process will be completed on the (basis of) evidence produced. I will be very happy if he can acquit himself as he is the former chief,” he said.
Talking about his personal rapport with Tyagi, Raha said he has worked under him.
"I have worked with him as well. So I knew him quite well. Professionally, he is very sound and it is very unfortunate that these kind of allegations are being made against him. It does dent our reputation. We are just hoping that the case is resolved quickly, one way or the other. Whatever is the decision of the court or the judicial process, we will go by that. We will accept it," he said.
Asked if he agreed that he should not have been kept with ‘common criminals’, Raha replied, saying he agrees.
"I don't know the exact nature of evidence that the investigating agencies have but if they could treat him a little more respectfully I would be very happy," he said.
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