| India will probe into graft allegations in Italian choppers' deal |
| Last Updated(Beijing Time):2012-04-26 10:49 |
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India Wednesday said that it would seriously probe into the allegations of corruption in a helicopter deal with Italy, according to local media.
According to media reports, Italian prosecutors are investigating whether a commission of 51 million euros was paid by state-backed helicopter manufacturer Agusta Westland to a Switzerland-based consultant for a deal to sell 12 VVIP choppers to India.
Indian Defense Minister A K Antony told media in the national capital, "I can assure you, I will seriously pursue the inquiry. When previously the reports appeared, I asked the defense secretary to immediately inquire into it. He wrote to the Indian Ambassador in Italy and he got the report."
He added: "If there is any mischief anywhere, I will take sternest action and I will seriously pursue the case."
Experts say that for India, the investigation can have bigger ramifications if it is established that an agent was indeed hired by the Italian company to facilitate the VVIP helicopter contract.
This is because as per Indian laws, it is illegal for companies to hire agents for defense contracts. |
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