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

CBI has registered a preliminary inquiry against executives of a UK-based company and officials of a Defence PSU, defence ministry and army in its probe into Army Chief Gen VK Singh's allegations that he was offered bribe to clear a defence deal, the government has said.

CBI has registered a preliminary inquiry against executives of a UK-based company and officials of a Defence PSU, defence ministry and army in its probe into Army Chief Gen VK Singh's allegations that he was offered bribe to clear a defence deal, the government has said.

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In written reply to a question in Rajya Sabha yesterday, defence minister AK Antony informed the House on steps taken by government to investigate cases of corruption in armed services and the ministry.

"CBI has been requested to investigate comprehensively into the alleged report of bribe to the Army Chief in respect of purchase of Tatra trucks. A Preliminary Inquiry has been registered by CBI on April 11," he told the House.

Further, the probe agency has registered a case under Section 120-B of Prevention of Corruption Act against one of the owners and other unknown persons of a UK-based company, unknown officials of a Defence PSU, defence ministry and Indian Army, Antony added.

Replying to a question on defence firms blacklisted by government, he said, "Recently six firms have been debarred from doing business for 10 years with defence ministry, consequent to filing of charge sheet by CBI. One of these firms, STK Singapore was in contention of providing 52-calibre guns to India."

On corruption cases in defence services, Antony said such instances have come to light through various sources including Military Intelligence, media reports and etc.

"Cognisance of offence is taken on verification of facts. Appropriate action as per rules is taken against those found culpable. Adequate mechanism exists in the Army Act and rules/regulations thereunder, to curb such acts," the defence minister said.