Under probe, Rolls-Royce seeks meetings with govt

Facing a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) probe for allegedly involving middlemen in its dealings with the state-owned Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd (HAL), British engine manufacturer Rolls-Royce has sought meetings with the top brass of the Defence Ministry where it is expected to discuss the corruption allegations against it.

The request for these meetings has come after the Defence Ministry under the previous UPA regime put on hold its dealings with the London-based firm when allegations emerged that it had engaged middlemen in the form of agents in its dealings with the aerospace PSU, Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd. Senior officials of the British firm have now sought meetings with the top brass of the Defence Ministry, including the Defence Secretary and Secretary (Defence Production), in August following the conclusion of the Parliament session, Defence Ministry sources in the know said.