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Friday, Jul 01, 2005

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Defence deals during Kargil conflict to be probed

Special Correspondent

Contracts mainly relate to acquisition of AK-47 ammunition, bullet-proof jackets

NEW DELHI: The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) is probing 10 defence deals contracted during the Kargil conflict by the previous National Democratic Alliance (NDA) government.

"We are analysing the report of the Comptroller and Auditor-General of India (CAG) sent alongside by the Government. We will be requesting the Government to give complaints in each of the 10 defence deals. As of now, only the CAG report is being scrutinised by us where these deals are mentioned,'' CBI Director U.S. Misra told reporters on Thursday during a press conference on the agency's nationwide special drive conducted against public servants of "doubtful integrity."

The defence deals mainly relate to the acquisition of aluminium caskets, bullet-proof jackets, general ammunition and AK-47 ammunition.

"Notes from Ministry"

Mr. Misra said the CBI was in touch with Defence Ministry officials and would soon get "specific notes" from the Ministry on each deal.

On the case against Denel, the South African armaments firm, the CBI chief said the agency was preparing Letter Rogatories to be sent to South Africa and the Isle of Man for seeking formal assistance in investigations.

Asked if the CBI would move the Supreme Court against the Delhi High Court order in the Bofors payoffs case quashing the charge sheet, Mr. Misra said the agency had only recently received the certified copy of the High Court order and it was being scrutinised. "We will form our opinion. There is ample time for that."

When his attention was drawn to the Court's criticism of the agency's probe into the Bofors case, spending nearly Rs. 250 crores on investigations abroad over the past 15 years, Mr. Misra said: "The CBI did not give this figure to the Court. We are trying to find out what was the basis for arriving at the figure of Rs. 250 crores."

Asked about the failure of Amit Jogi, son of the former Chhattisgarh Chief Minister, Ajit Jogi, to appear before the CBI for questioning in the Jaggi murder case, Mr. Misra said Mr. Amit Jogi was expected to present himself for questioning soon.

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