 "Airbus deal: CBI awaiting sanction to prosecute govt officials")
New Delhi: The CBI is yet to receive sanction to prosecute senior officials of civil aviation ministry in connection with an aircraft deal involving Airbus and erstwhile Indian Airlines even as it has completed the preliminary enquiry, Lok Sabha was informed today.
“As per law the CBI has sought permission of the government for taking up investigation against the officers of the rank of the Joint Secretary and above and the same is under consideration,” Minister of state of personnel V Narayanasamy said in a written reply to Lok Sabha.
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He said the CBI had registered a preliminary enquiry on January 14, 2010 against unknown persons of the Ministry of Civil Aviation and initial enquiry has been completed in connection with alleged irregularities and illegalities in purhcase of 43 aircraft from M/s Airbus Industries.
“The enquiry has revealed that the crucial concessions regarding investment of $175 million as worked out during negotiations by Empowered Group of Ministers with M/s Airbus Industries were deliberately not made part of the purchase agreement signed between Indian Airlines and M/s Airbus Industries,” he said.
The Minister said one officer of the level of Additional Secretary, who served as Director then, two officers of the level of Director, now retired, one officer of the level of Deputy Managing Director (also retired), one former officer of the level of General Manager and two officers of the level of Deputy General Manager are under investigation.
PTI