Tatra row: CBI's restraint order against Ravi Rishi

The Central Bureau of Investigation on Sunday issued a restraint order to prevent London-based NRI businessman Ravi Rishi, an accused in a case of alleged irregularities in purchase of Tatra trucks for the army, from moving out of the country.

The agency has alerted all airports and exit points to ensure that he does not leave the country, official sources said.

Rishi was not available for his comments and his company, when contacted, refused to react to the development, saying it were cooperating with the CBI in the case.

57-year-old Rishi, named as an accused in the agency's FIR in alleged irregularities in purchase of Tatra trucks for the army, has been questioned twice so far by the CBI and was likely to be summoned again.

Rishi has termed the allegations against him as unfortunate, saying the trucks were sold through public sector undertaking Bharat Earth Movers Limited. He also said the charges levelled with regard to Tatra trucks by Army Chief Gen V K Singh were baseless.

The move comes after the army chief complained alleging Lt Gen (retired) Tejinder Singh had offered him a bribe for clearing a consignment of "sub-standard" trucks.

Lt Gen Singh has refuted the allegations and has filed a defamation case against the army chief and some other senior officers.

CBI officials will be seeking more details from the army chief before they decide on whether to register a preliminary enquiry or a case in connection with the bribery charge.

The sources said the army chief was expected to soon provide more material about the alleged bribe offer.