Agusta case: CBI records statement of Goa Governor

Last week the CBI had questioned M K Narayanan, after he resigned as the WB Governor

Central Bureau of Investigation today quizzed Goa Governor B V Wanchoo in connection to the Agusta Westland chopper deal probe. Wanchoo's office issued a statement saying that the governor recorded his statement as a witness under 161 CrPC at his official residence in Goa. Last week the CBI had questioned M K Narayanan, former national security advisor soon after he resigned as the West Bengal Governor.

 

Wanchoo was the then head of the Special Protection Group which is entrusted with the task of guarding the Prime Minister. He was holding the post during the AgustaWestland deal in the UPA regime.

 

CBI had made a formal request to question Wanchoo on June 24. CBI went ahead with his questioning after attorney general Mukul Rohatgi said that the investigative agency could go ahead as there is no immunity to the constitutional office of the governor as per law.

 

In a statement issued by his office Wanchoo said that he was very keen that his statement be recorded at the earliest for the purpose of completing the legal process in the case. Wanchoo hoped that "His statement would have clarified any issues that the CBI may have had and hopes that the CBI would conclude their investigation to bring out the truth at the very earliest." 63 years old Wanchoo said that he was pleased to have recorded his statement.

 

CBI had registered a case against former Indian Air Force Chief S P Tyagi along with 13 others including his cousins and European middlemen in the case. The agency had alleged that the former Air Chief was that he had reduced flying ceiling of the helicopter so that AgustaWestland was included in the bids. The investigative agency has also alleged that the decision was taken in consultation with the officials of the SPG and the Prime Minister's Office including Narayanan.

 

The defence ministry had concluded a contract with AgustaWestland in February 2010 for supply of 12 AW-101 helicopters for the Indian Air Force's Communication Squadron, which ferries the president the prime minister and other VVIPs. Earlier this year government had scrapped the deal with AgustaWestland for the violation of integrity clause.