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Press Trust of India
On whether the Indian government will stop deliveries of the rest of the choppers, Antony said, "No options are closed. Let the CBI inqiry happen first." Responding to a question that Special Protection Group (SPG) had the final say in clearing the deal, despite some objections by the Defence Ministry, he said, "Initially Air Force and SPG, citing security reasons, they had recommended this case. Beyond that I cannot say anything at this moment. Everything is now with the CBI." On whether former SPG Chief B V Wanchoo's name has also allegedly surfaced, Antony said, "At this moment I am not in the position to say anything about the details. Let the CBI inquire that. I don't want to say who is right who is wrong. I am not judge, I am not the investigating officer." On the issue of senior retired military officials taking up consultancy jobs with defence firms, Antony said the policy needs a review. "Government has a policy of re-employment of retired officials. That applies to all the officers, but we have to have a second look at this thing. I agree with you," he said. Whether blacklisting of defence firms is narrowing options for Indian armed forces' modernisation, he said, "There may be some problems but because there may be some practical difficulties. We cannot ignore corruption. Whatever the consequences in any deal, if there is corruption, we will take action," he said.
 

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First Published: Feb 13 2013 | 12:45 PM IST

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