New Delhi:
The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has reportedly impounded the passport of London-based businessman and head of truck manufacturing company Vectra, Ravi Rishi, to ensure that he does not leave India. The CBI has already questioned Mr Rishi on a complaint filed by Army Chief General VK Singh, alleging that a bribe was offered to him to clear the purchase of "sub-standard trucks" for the Indian Army. The agency reportedly wanted to question the Vectra chief again today. He has however sought more time from the CBI, sources said.
The CBI is investigating a deal with Vectra for the supply of 7000 trucks for the Army; the Army Chief has alleged that he was offered a bribe of Rs. 14 crore to clear a lot of 600 "sub-standard" trucks six months after he took office in 2010. Acting on a complaint letter from the Army Chief, the CBI last week registered a case of alleged irregularities in the supply of the all-terrain Tatra trucks. The 800-million-dollar Vectra Group, which Mr Rishi heads, holds a majority stake in Czech-based Tatra Trucks, which makes parts for trucks for the armed forces.
Public sector unit BEML (Bharat Earth Movers Limited) buys Tatra parts from Vectra and assembles the trucks in Bangalore and these are then sold to the Army. The FIR registered by the CBI last week also refers to unknown defense officials and authorities at BEML. On Friday, the CBI had raided Tatra offices in Bangalore and Delhi.
General VK Singh has also named retired Lt General Tejinder Singh in his complaint to the CBI. He had earlier claimed that a "lobbyist who had just retired", offered him a bribe for clearing "sub-standard" vehicles and that he had informed Defence Minister AK Antony about it. The Ministry had then recommended a CBI probe into the allegation made by the Army Chief.
Lt General Tejinder Singh (retd) has refuted Gen VK Singh's allegations and has also filed a defamation case against the Army Chief and other officers. The CBI is also expected to question him as part of its investigations.
Mr Rishi has said General VK Singh's allegations are unfounded and unfortunate.