New Delhi:
SP Tyagi, the former chief of the Indian Air Force, has denied allegations that he influenced a 4,000-crore deal for VVIP helicopters in favour of Italy's Agusta Westland.
Highlights of his interview. - I am shocked that my name is in the Italian probe report.
- The other Tyagis named in the report are my cousins.
- Had spoken with them when the reports first came out.
- They had links with Finnmecanica , but worked in the power sector.
- My cousins have never worked in the Defence sector.
- I met Carlo Gerosa (one of the middlemen named in the report) at my cousin's place but had no dealings with him. This was in 2010, when the technical process was almost over.
- The changes in flight specifications from 18,000 feet to 15000 feet flying altitude were made in 2003, not 2006.
- I had nothing to do with the changes in specifications.
- Since such a report has come out, clearly there is something there.
- The Special Protection Group (SPG) had specific requirements since these choppers were to guard VVIPs.
- Should the SPG be probed? Not saying that, the CBI should decide who to probe.
- I welcome the inquiry, it must go into all aspects of the deal.