Zeenews Bureau
New Delhi: A team of Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has sought an appointment with the Army Chief Gen VK Singh, seeking clarification over his claims that he was offered a bribe of Rs 14 crore by an equipment lobbyist to clear a defence deal.
According to report, Gen VK Singh is not in Delhi at the moment, so the CBI team is likely to approach him later today or tomorrow.
The CBI officials are expected to ask the Army Chief why no action was taken against the alleged equipment lobbyist, who approached him to clear a defence deal of 600 sub-standard vehicles.
In an interview to a leading English daily, Gen Singh recently claimed that he was offered a bribe of Rs 14 crore by an equipment lobbyist.
Defence Minister AK Antony was apprised of the matter, the Army Chief added.
Gen Singh described the state of affairs in the Army as “shocking”, saying the same led to conditions wherein an attempt was made to bribe the Army Chief.
The lobbyist, who was later identified to be Lt Gen Tejinder Singh, retired from the Army recently.
According to the Army Chief, Tejinder Singh was ready to bribe the Army Chief if he approved the acquisition of 600 sub-standard vehicles of a particular make.
According to the General, the Army had already acquired 7,000 such vehicles over the years at exorbitant prices. While the vehicles were sold to the Army, the manufacturer created no proper facility for the servicing and maintenance of the vehicles.
First Published: Thursday, April 12, 2012, 15:28