ED supports Saxena's plea to become approver in AgustaWestland case

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) on Thursday supported the plea of Rajiv Saxena to become an approver in AgustaWestland case.

"He will be very useful. That is why supporting his plea," said ED in the court while supporting Saxena's plea. He is an accused in AgustaWestland case.

The businessman has filed a plea in the court to turn an approver in the case.

Following the arguments, Special CBI judge Arvind Kumar has slated the matter for consideration on March 25.

Last week, Saxena, a co-accused in the case, recorded his statement before Additional Chief Metropolitan Magistrate (ACMM) Samar Vishal during an in-chamber hearing under Section 306 of the Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC).

The entire proceeding lasted for nearly three hours.

On February 27, Saxena had moved an application before Special CBI judge Arvind Kumar to become an approver in the case.

He had told the court that he was not under any pressure and that no assurance was given to him, neither any sought from him.

The ED is being represented by Special Public Prosecutor DP Singh and advocate Naveen Matta, while senior advocate Geeta Luthra and advocate Shivani Luthra are defending Saxena.

Dubai-based businessman was extradited to India on January 31 in connection with the Rs 3,600 crore deal for the purchase of 12 VVIP helicopters from AgustaWestland.

Saxena was allegedly operating a number of bank accounts in Switzerland in which huge amounts of money were deposited, according to a government dossier.