The Defence Ministry has cautioned an officer for accidentally dropping a secret file related to a multi-billion dollar combat aircraft deal. In a written reply in the Lok Sabha, Defence minister A K Antony said, a file relating to request by vendors regarding offsets was accidentally dropped by an officer in Asiad village where he was residing on December 21st last year.Mr Antony said the officer responsible has been cautioned in writing. The Minister said the file did not contain any sensitive information and was recovered within half-an-hour. After the file was recovered, the Defence Ministry and Indian Air Force held separate inquiries into the incident. Two IAS officials, including an Additional Secretary-rank officer, were under the scanner after the incident. AIR correspondent reports six companies including American Lockheed Martin, Boeing, Russian MiG 35, Swedish Saab Gripen, European Eurofighter and French Rafale are in the race for the 11 billion US dollar contract for 126 aircraft, which is expected to be finalised in the next fiscal.