AgustaWestland Chopper Deal: Christian Michel, 54, to to be produced in court today
The alleged middleman in the AgustaWestland chopper deal, Christian Michel, was extradited from Dubai and landed in New Delhi late Tuesday night and was taken to CBI headquarters. Michel was reportedly questioned at the headquarters at night. He was produced in a Patiala court today afternoon. Michel's extradition came through after foreign minister Sushma Swaraj spoke to her United Arab Emirates or UAE counterpart Abdullah bin Zayed in capital Abu Dhabi. India is investigating charges that Michel, a British national, organised bribes to push a Rs 3,600-crore contract for VVIP helicopters to be purchased by top Indian leaders.
Christian Michel, 54, arrived on a private flight from Dubai, his lawyer Rosemary Patrizi told NDTV. The CBI said Michel's extradition took place "under the guidance" of National Security Advisor Ajit Doval.
The AgustaWestland case involves a deal to purchase 12 luxury helicopters for use by President, Prime Minister, former prime ministers and other VIPs. Michel was arrested in UAE last year on the basis of an Interpol notice and was out on bail.
Here are the highlights on the extradition of Christian Michel in the AgustaWestland case:
Christian Michel during questioning by CBI complained of anxiety after which he was given medicine: CBI sources told ANI
The CBI, which produced Michel in court this afternoon after questioning him all night since his arrival in Delhi on a special flight, wanted his custody for 14 days.
Advocate Aljo K Joseph is appearing for Christian Michel. CBI Counsel Advocate DP Singh said before the CBI Special Court, "We need his (Christian Michel) police custody to confront him with some important documents. Money was transferred in two Dubai based accounts."
Christian Michel has moved a bail plea. Court kept this bail plea pending for next hearing and remanded him to 5-day CBI custody. Court also allowed his counsel one hour in the morning and one hour in the evening for consultancy, reported news agency ANI.
BREAKING: Christian Michel sent to 5day CBI custody after he was produced in court.
Security tightened at Patiala House court complex
Security has been tightened at the Patiala House court complex where Christian Michel, the alleged middleman in the Rs 3,600-crore AgustaWestland VVIP chopper deal, would be produced, reported news agency Press Trust of India.
"VVIP helicopter scam took place during UPA rule," says PM Modi
"The VVIP helicopter scam took place during the UPA rule. We investigated the scam after coming to power and caught one of the accused. You must have read in the papers that the government has got him extradited from from Dubai. Who knows what secrets will tumble out once he starts talking?" PM Modi said.
AgustaWestland Case: "They have no other issues": Amit Shah hits out at Congress
After the extradition of Christian Michel, BJP chief Amit Shah hit out at the Congress in a press conference.
"Congress doesn't have any other issues. Shouldn't we catch people who are wrong? What do they want? To protect them?" Amit Shah said.
"The opposition keeps saying all this. Tell me one thing, should an offender and an accused not be interrogated? The opposition should clarify if they want his interrogation, or whether they want to save an offender and an accused," he added.
Christian Michel to be produced before special judge Arvind Kumar in Patiala House Court
In the AgustaWestland case, alleged middleman Christian Michel will be produced before special judge Arvind Kumar in the Patiala House Court, according to news agency ANI.
VVIP Chopper Case: "It is just a game to put a question mark on Congress," says Salman Khurshid
"It is just a game to put a question mark on Congress. If the CBI is now getting involved in this case, we will fight against it, adding that one should respond to a question, if he/she is obliged to answer it. But I hope they've their facts and figure in place to persuade a court, " Salman Khurshid said, quoted by ANI.
AgustaWestland Case: "I am very impressed that CBI is tearing itself apart," says Salman Khurshid
"I am very impressed that CBI that is tearing itself apart, screaming and shouting at each other with all allegations of corruption doing the rounds before Courts," said Congress leader Salman Khurshid on extradition of Christian Michel, the alleged middleman in AgustaWestland case, quoted by news agency ANI
Read Here: VVIP Chopper Case Accused Christian Michel Brought To Delhi: 10 PointsChristian Michel, the alleged middleman in the AgustaWestland chopper deal extradited by Dubai, landed in New Delhi late Tuesday night and was taken to the CBI headquarters, where was questioned through the night. He will be produced in a court this morning. India is investigating charges that the British national organized bribes to push a 3,600-crore contract for VVIP helicopters to be purchased for top Indian leaders. His extradition came through on a day Foreign Minister Sushma Swaraj held discussions with her UAE counterpart Abdullah bin Zayed in Abu Dhabi.