New Delhi: The CBI on Tuesday received an audio
tape carrying a conversation purportedly between Army chief
General V K Singh and another person, in connection with the
alleged bribery case referred to it by the Defence Ministry.
Sources in the agency refused to reveal how these tapes
claimed to be of the meeting, in which the alleged bribery
offer was made, reached them but said their veracity and
authenticity were yet to be established.
The tapes carry a conversation purportedly between Singh
and another officer in which the former is said to be
shouting. However, they said the voices in the tapes are not
authenticated so nothing can be said about their veracity.
Meanwhile, the agency has asked the Defence Ministry to
make available a complaint from Singh besides other details
such as list of witnesses and supporting documents after which
it would initiate its probe in the case, they said.
The sources said the agency has not registered a formal
inquiry in the case so far and any action would be initiated
after it receives a complaint from Singh.
They said they have received a "reference" from
the Defence Ministry to probe the matter and it has been
processed as per the laid down procedure.
A preliminary enquiry or an FIR could be registered soon
after completion of the procedural requirements.
The Army Chief had claimed in media interviews that an
equipment lobbyist had offered him a bribe of Rs 14 crore, a
matter which he had reported to Defence Minister A K Antony.
The Ministry had then recommended a CBI probe into the
allegation made by the Army chief.
PTI
