Former Indian Air Force chief SP Tyagi and two others, arrested in connection with the AgustaWestland chopper scam, were sent to judicial custody till December 30 on Saturday, ANI reported. The three accused also filed bail applications following the decision by the Patiala House Court in Delhi. The court will hear the matter on December 21.
The three were arrested on December 9 for allegedly accepting kickbacks to influence the purchase of 12 VVIP choppers. The Central Bureau of Investigation, which said that 12% of the Rs 3,767 crore deal was paid in bribe, has been investigating Tyagi along with his associates and middleman Christian Michel in connection with the case.
In May, the CBI had said that two “suspicious” payments were made into accounts held by the former Air Force chief. The agency also learnt that Tyagi was an owner or shareholder of at least five different companies. He retired from the post of Air Force chief in 2007.
Investigators said that the company was given undue favour in connection with the deal. In its First Information Report filed in the case, the CBI said that the former Air Force chief refuted the view that helicopters manufactured by AgustaWestland were not a viable option for transporting VVIPs.
However, Tyagi has continued to deny all allegations made against him. His counsel has claimed that it was the Prime Minister’s Office that had recommended changing the ceiling height of the VVIP choppers, which was allegedly modified so that AgustaWestland could get the contract.
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