New Delhi: Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar on Wednesday said that an inquiry into the alleged AgustaWestland scam will focus on roles of those named in the judgement of the Italian court.
Parrikar also said that UPA govt and then PMO changed the chopper specification regarding height, a situation was created under which Eurocopter was eliminated despite fulfilling all operational requirements.
"After present Govt took over, CBI and ED have been rigorously pursuing all aspects of investigations. Inquiry will focus on roles of those named in the
judgement of Italian court," said Parrikar in Rajya Sabha.
Highlights of Parrikar's speech in Rajya Sabha:
1. The country wants to know as to who instigated, supported and benefited from corruption, we can't let this pass.
2. Fact that there was corruption in matter is brought out in extensive details in recent judgments of Milan court.
3. UPA govt and then PMO changed the chopper specification regarding height.
4. A situation was created under which Eurocopter was eliminated despite fulfilling all operational requirements.
5. Investigation in matter so far revealed involvement of Ids Infotech as conduit for transfer of bribe money.
6. The benchmark cost given by CNC was unreasonably high and had provided no realistic basis for price negotiations.
7. GoI (UPA) instead of taking action against company, adopted route of writing to External affairs Ministry, embassy and court.
8. CAG report highlighted that allowed offsets were not compliant with DPP. Many Indian offsets partners were not eligible.
9. CBI did not bother to forward a copy of FIR to ED for nine months.
10. More strangely ED did not act on FIR till July 2014,it appears an invincible hand was guiding actions or inactions by CBI and ED. It appears an "invisible hand" was guiding the action or inaction of CBI and ED, says the Defence Minister.
11. After present Govt took over, CBI and ED have been rigorously pursuing all aspects of investigations. Inquiry will focus on roles of those named in the
judgement of Italian court.
