AgustaWestland row: Ex-Air Chief S P Tyagi arrested

09 December, New Delhi

Former Air Force Chief S P Tyagi, his cousin Sanjeev Tyagi alias Julie Tyagi and Delhi-based lawyer Gautam Khaitan were arrested by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) today in connection with AgustaWestland chopper deal case, an official said.

According to the official, SP Tyagi has been accused of influencing the Rs 3,600-crore deal for VVIP choppers in favour of Italy’s AgustaWestland during his tenure. Although, he has refuted the allegations. Earlier, he was interrogated by the agency in this case.

The agency has arrested all the three accused for allegedly accepting illegal gratification for exercising influence through corrupt and or illegal means.

The CBI was also looking into ex-IAF chief’s investments property and banks, especially after 2004-05, to find out the money trail in the VVIP helicopter scam.

Earlier, a case was registered by the CBI and by the Enforcement Directorate against Air Marshal Tyagi and some of his family members based on the CBI complaint.

Another case was registered by the Enforcement Directorate against Tyagi and 20 others under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act in July 2104 in the Rs 3,600-crore deal.