The Defence Ministry has asked AgustaWestland to explain within one week, its linkages with software companies which were allegedly used as a cover for paying kickbacks in the VVIP chopper deal. In a fresh communication to the Anglo-Italian firm, after rejecting its reply to the show cause notice, the Defence Ministry asked AgustaWestland to provide specific details about its transactions with Tunisia and India-based firms IDS Infotech and Aeromatrix.

The names of IDS Infotech and Aeromatrix have figured in the investigations by Italian authorities in the context of allegedly routing a portion of kickbacks of 362 crore rupees in the 3,600 crore rupees Helicopter deal.

Meanwhile, CBI on Thursday questioned advocate Gautam Khaitan, former Board Member of Aeromatrix, in connection with the case.