New Delhi:
Defence Minister AK Antony has said the government is looking into allegations that a contract to buy 12 helicopters for the Air Force from an Italian firm was seeped in corruption. Italian media has reported that the manufacturer, Augusta Westland, paid a 350-crore commission to a consultant in Switzerland to push the deal through.
"I can assure you I will seriously pursue the inquiry," Mr Antony said, adding that the Indian Embassy in Rome has been asked to share details of the Italian investigation into the deal. The contract was signed in 2010 for nearly 560 million euros or over 3800 crores.
The helicopters were bought for the VVIP Communication Squadrons of the
Indian Air Force (IAF); they are to be used by the President, Prime Minister and other senior officials.