The Enforcement Directorate on Friday summoned former Indian Air Force chief SP Tyagi in connection with the AgustaWestland helicopter deal. Tyagi has been accused of receiving money from middlemen who helped AgustaWestland bag the contract to supply 12 VVIP choppers to the Air Force during the United Progressive Alliance II government’s rule. AgustaWestland subsidiary Finmeccanica allegedly paid around Rs 375 crore as a bribe to win the deal. dna reported that the ED has also attached assets worth Rs 11 crore belonging to Tyagi’s family.
The chopper issue has led to a stalemate in ongoing Parliament proceedings this week, especially after an Italian court’s judgment came out saying the Congress-led government had refused to share documents with Italian investigators looking into the deal. On Friday, Bharatiya Janata Party President Amit Shah attacked Congress President Sonia Gandhi about the scam and asked why the deal was not immediately put on hold after reports of corruption surrounding it arose.
The ED, currently investigating the Rs 3,600-crore scam, has reportedly sent judicial requests to several countries to obtain information on the deal.
Limited-time offer: Big stories, small price. Keep independent media alive. Become a Scroll member today!
Our journalism is for everyone. But you can get special privileges by buying an annual Scroll Membership. Sign up today!