Business Standard

Antony said the Indian government has been trying to get

Image

Press Trust of India
details from Italy for the last 10 months. "After we saw reports, the Indian media reports of arrests and investigation going on in Italy, immediately we wrote to the Indian Ambassador in Italy to get the details from the Italian government and also the prosecutor who is conducting the inquiry," he said. The External Affairs Ministry was also brought in the picture to seek a report from Italy and Britain. "The second step (was) through the Ministry of External Affairs. Our government contacted the Government of Italy and Government of United Kingdom because AugustaWestland is a British company and major shareholder is British. MEA wrote to both the countries again," he said. Both the countries were specifically asked about alleged involvement of some Indians in the scam. "Second report came on involvement of some Indians and we again asked both the governments whether these allegations are true," he said. Asked whether the scam will impact other deals under consideration with AugustaWestland and Finmeccanica, Antony said such an action will depend on the result of CBI inquiry. "Let CBI inquire this. Everything depends on CBI inquiry on this... We have already given this issue to the CBI. Let us see the progress of CBI inquiry. At any stage of the inquiry, if anybody is guilty, anywhere in the deals, they will have to pay the price," he said. Responding to a query that Special Protection Group (SPG) had the final say in clearing the deal, despite some objections by the Defence Ministry, he said, "Initially Air Force and SPG, citing security reasons, they had recommended this case. Beyond that I cannot say anything at this moment. Everything is now with the CBI." On whether former SPG Chief B V Wanchoo's name has allegedly surfaced, Antony said, "At this moment I am not in the position to say anything about the details. Let the CBI inquire that. I don't want to say who is right, who is wrong. I am not a judge, I am not the investigating officer."

Don't miss the most important news and views of the day. Get them on our Telegram channel

First Published: Feb 13 2013 | 3:45 PM IST

Explore News