WANTED! Ex-IAF chief involved in VVIP chopper scam

The Central Bureau of Investigation has issued a lookout notice against a former Indian Air Force chief in connection with alleged irregularities in procurement of VVIP helicopters, Defence Minister A K Antony told the Lok Sabha on Monday.

In a written reply to the House, he said, "CBI has issued Lookout notice against a number of individuals in India including a former chief of IAF in connection with the said case."

Though Antony did not name the IAF chief in his reply, former Air Chief Marshal S P Tyagi's role in the deal is being inquired by the CBI. Tyagi's bank account was recently frozen by the investigative agency and he was also questioned by them.

The defence minister also said that it has received an initial set of documents from Italy in connection with the deal.

"Government has received an initial set of documents from Italy pertaining to alleged irregularities in AgustaWestland deal which include copy of the search and seizure order issued by the Judge of the preliminary investigation in Busto Arsizio, Italy," Antony said.

Copies of certain contracts entered by AgustaWestland with various entities in Tunisia and India have also been provided by the Italian government.

The minister was replying to a question whether the government has received the first set of documents from Italy regarding the alleged irregularities in the AgustaWestland helicopter deal.