No witch-hunt in VVIP chopper scam: Rajiv Pratap Rudy

The Central govt urged Congress leaders to approach the Italian court if they had any complaint about "character assassination"

The government on Wednesday denied any "witch-hunt" against anyone on the AgustaWestland VVIP chopper deal and urged Congress leaders to approach the Italian court if they have any complaint about "character assassination".

"If they have any complaint about character assassination, they can blame the court of Italy. She (Congress president Sonia Gandhi) should blame the Italian court," Minister of State for Parliamentary Affairs Rajiv Pratap Rudy said.

"I am making this statement based on media reports which says big names like Sonia Gandhi, Ahmed Patel and even Manmohan Singh figured (in bribe taking)."

Replying to queries on Gandhi's assertion that she was "not afraid" of any witch-hunt, Rudy said, "I agree with her, there is nothing to be afraid of. Truth will come out. But the basic issue remains that big names have cropped up in the case based on a verdict from an Italian court."

According to an Italian court, commission of Rs 120 crore-125 crore was paid in the chopper deal.

The court order, according to media reports, showed that the firm lobbied with Gandhi and her close aides and then prime minister Manmohan Singh.