Defence Minister A K Antony today said, no one will be spared whoever is found guilty on the allegations of bribery in the chopper deal with Italian firm Finmeccanica. Speaking to reporters in New Delhi, the Defence Minister said, serious action that will be taken also include cancellation of the deal. Mr. Antony said, a CBI inquiry was ordered yesterday to investigate the helicopter deal. He said, the CBI has given preliminary report about six firms and they have been blacklisted.
Mr. Antony said, after the present CBI inquiry into the case, action will be taken. The Defence Minister categorically stated that corruption in defence deals will not be tolerated. Italian media reports said, the CEO of Italian defence firm, Finmeccanica, was arrested for allegedly offering bribes in India to procure the AgustaWestland VVIP chopper deal.
Reacting to the development, former IAF Chief, Air Chief Marshal S P Tyagi today refuted allegations that he was paid bribes for procuring 12 choppers. He said, the allegations are totally baseless and the deal was signed in 2010 whereas he retired in 2007 itself.