The CBI has received the Centre's nod to probe the alleged role of suspended Bharat Earth Movers Limited, (BEML) Chairman V R S Natarajan in connection with alleged irregularities in supply of Tatra all-terrain vehicle supply to the Army.

AIR correspondent reports, CBI officials on Monday received the sanction from the Defence Ministry for probing his alleged individual role in the irregularities into the deal. Earlier in the day, Mr Natarajan has been suspended by the government.

A Ministry of Defence statement said, the move follows the recommendation by the CBI that he be kept away from the post to ensure fair investigation into the charges against him.

Mr. P. Dwarkanath, the senior most functional Director in BEML, has been given the charge of CMD.