Tatra fallout: DGCA cancels Vectra chopper licenses

Civil Aviation Minister Ajit Singh has confirmed that his Ministry has given a directive for the cancellation of Vectra’s chopper licenses. Speaking to the Times Now television channel, Singh said that the decision had been taken following a Home Ministry directive which had informed them that Vectra posed a security risk.

“We have followed Home Ministry Orders. I presume it is because of the CBI probe” said Singh, in response to a question on who had ordered the suspension.

The suspension is a further setback to the Vectra group, which is already under the scanner over an allegation made by Army Chief VK Singh that he was offered by a bribe by the company, to allow the procurement of sub standard all terrain Tatra trucks into the Indian Army.

Several senior officials of Vectra have been questioned by the CBI in connection with the deal, including its chief Ravi Rishi who has been quizzed on multiple occasions.

Army General VK Singh CBI alleged that in September 2010, Rishi had offered him a bribe of Rs 14 crores through former Lt General Tejinder Singh to clear sub standard Tatra trucks.

Singh’s 22-page complaint, currently in the possession of the CBI, is reportedly backed with substantial proof against Rishi.

Rishi’s company Vectra has a 100 per cent stake in Tatra Sipox (UK) which supplies Tatra trucks to BEML.

The allegation is that BEML has violated rules of defence procurement by ordering trucks from Vectra, which is a trading company and not the original manufacturer of the truck. The CBI has reportedly registered a preliminary enquiry in the case and could call Lt General Singh for questioning soon.

Meanwhile, the Enforcement Directorate is probing the flow of funds from Rishi’s companies and have booked him for money laundering.