NEW DELHI: Former Indian Air Force chief SP Tyagi was granted bail in the AgustaWestland VVIP chopper scam case by a Delhi court on Monday. The court expressed astonishment over the CBI’s failure in finding out the alleged bribe amount paid to SP Tyagi in the deal after a three-year, nine-month investigation.
“During arguments, CBI failed to state as to how much cash was paid to the accused and when it was paid,” Special Judge Arvind Kumar said while allowing Tyagi’s bail application. Tyagi – the first chief of any wing of the armed forces to be arrested in the country – and the others were allegedly involved in irregularities in the procurement of 12 AW-101 VVIP helicopters from Britain-based AgustaWestland.
“Admittedly, the CBI has seized the documents regarding properties in the year 2013 and more than three years and nine months have passed but could not conduct an investigation in this regard as the CBI has mentioned in arrest memo of accused that properties of accused are to be linked with illegal gratification,” the court said.
Meanwhile, the current Air Chief Marshal, Arup Raha said SP Tyagi was a sound professional and should not be treated like a common criminal.
“You know, it is sub-judice so it won’t be right for me to say anything. But, it is very unfortunate, I think for sure, that a person of his stature has been indicted by the CBI and other investigating agencies.
He has been put under custody,” Raha told a TV channel. “I can’t say it doesn’t dent our image or reputation. It definitely does and I am sure we will go by the law of the land. And the judicial process will be completed on the (basis of) evidence produced. I will be very happy if he can acquit himself because for the reason that he is the former chief,” Raha said, adding the accusations against Tyagi were unfortunate.
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