'CBI has filed preliminary inquiry on Army chief's complaint'

In a written reply to the Upper House, Defence Minister A K Antony said, "CBI has been requested to conduct a comprehensive inquiry into the alleged report of bribe to the Army Chief. A preliminary Inquiry (PE) has been registered by CBI on April 11."

Antony further said, "A report appeared in 'The Hindu' (a national daily) on March 26 stating alleged offer of bribe to Army Chief in BEML-Tatra Trucks deal."

The government has also asked CBI to probe allegations that the UK-based firm Tatra Sipox is not involved in making of military trucks, he said.

"CBI has filed an FIR on March 3 against Ravinder Kumar Rishi, unknown officers of BEML, Defence Ministry, Indian Army and Tatra Sipox (UK), in regard to allegations among others, that Tatra Sipox is not involved in manufacturing of Tatra vehicles and cannot be termed as Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM)," Antony said.

On transparency in deals by Defence Public Sector Undertakings (DPSUs), Antony said these are regulated by detailed procedures laid down by the Defence Ministry.

"These includes specific clauses in the contracts regarding non-employment of any agents, penalty for use of undue influence and signing of an integrity pact, access to book of accounts and etc," he said. PTI AD RAI