Tag Archives: CBI

Embraer aircraft deal: Defence Ministry asks CBI to probe allegations

By: PTI | New Delhi – September 14, 2016 -The New Indian Express
The deal for purchase of three Embraer aircraft during the UPA regime has kicked up dust with US authorities going into alleged payment of kickbacks.

Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar had earlier this week said that, “If there is a criminal angle then the CBI will probe as the Ministry cannot”. (AP Photo)
Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar had earlier this week said that, “If there is a criminal angle then the CBI will probe as the Ministry cannot”. (AP Photo)

The Defence Ministry has asked the CBI to probe allegations that kickbacks were paid in the USD 208 million Embraer aircraft deal that DRDO had struck with the Brazilian aircraft manufacturer during the UPA rule in 2008. Government sources said that since the allegations were of a serious nature, the CBI has been asked to probe. Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar had earlier this week said that, “If there is a criminal angle then the CBI will probe as the Ministry cannot”.
“If only procedural issues are involved, then the Defence Ministry can do an internal investigation,” he had said. The deal for purchase of three Embraer aircraft during the UPA regime has kicked up dust with US authorities going into alleged payment of kickbacks. The deal has come under the scanner of the US Justice Department which has been probing Embraer for alleged payment of bribes to secure contracts.
DRDO has already sought a report from the Brazilian firm, which has said it has been looking into graft allegations over the last five years. The deal was signed in 2008 between Embraer and the DRDO for three aircraft equipped with indigenous radars for AEW&C (airborne early warning and control systems).

Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar had earlier this week said that, “If there is a criminal angle then the CBI will probe as the Ministry cannot”. (AP Photo)

CBI will probe Embraer deal if evidence of criminality found, says Parrikar

September 11, 2016 – THE HINDU
‘Will make a statement only after studying the DRDO report’

Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar on Sunday said he might recommend a CBI probe into the Embraer aircraft deal if it displayed “criminal nature” after the DRDO wrote to the Brazilian company seeking details of the deal involving three EMB 145 aircraft.

“I have directed the DRDO to send a complete report on the deal by Monday. I will study the report first before making any concrete statement on the issue but I can tell you as of now that if it displays criminal nature, I will hand over the case for CBI probe,” Mr. Parrikar told media persons in Vadodara.

He said: “If there were procedural issues, then an internal inquiry will be ordered.”

The deal

India has asked an explanation from the Brazilian aircraft-maker Embraer following media reports of an international investigation into the alleged payment of bribes to secure an aircraft deal in 2008.

A U.S.-Brazil investigation into the Embraer deal, uncovered a bribery case, leading to a deal between the company and DRDO in 2008.

According to Brazilian newspaper Folha de Sao Paulo, Embraer had been under investigation by the United States Justice Department since 2010 “when a contract with the Dominican Republic raised the Americans’ suspicions.”

India had signed a $208-million deal in 2008 for procuring three Emb-145 aircraft.

CBI may probe Embraer deal, if needed, hints Parrikar

ANI | Sep 11, 2016,- The Times of India
VADODARA: With the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) writing to Brazilian company Embraer, seeking details on a report that it employed an agent to sell three EMB 145 aircraft to the DRDO in 2008, defence minister Manohar Parrikar on Sunday asserted that if the issues display a criminal nature, then it will be handed over to the Central Bureau of Investigation.
Speaking to the media here, Parrikar stated he has asked the DRDO to submit a complete report on the matter on Monday, and it will be only after that that he can make a concrete statement.
“I am not going to give a knee-jerk reaction and just make a statement based on rumours. I have asked for a report, which will be submitted on Monday, and if the issues are of a criminal nature, then we can forward this case to the CBI for a criminal investigation. If there are just procedural issues, then we can do an internal investigation,” Parrikar said.
Admitting that he was himself unaware on several nuances of the issue since it happened in 2008, the defence minister reiterated that he will make a composite statement on the case only after he gets the report on Monday.
Meanwhile, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has asked the Centre to probe the aircraft bribery allegations linked to manufacturers of the Embraer.
A joint US-Brazil investigation into Embraer has uncovered a bribery case leading to a deal signed between the company and DRDO in 2008 for three aircraft equipped with indigenous radars for AEW&C (airborne early warning and control systems).
The company has been under the scanner of the United States Justice Department since 2010 after a contract with the Dominican Republic raised suspicions.
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No action by CBI on ‘illegal’ Landour cantonment constructions

Landour-constructions-by-Abhin
            Private individuals have constructed several hotels illegally in the high security and sensitive area.

By ABHINANDAN MISHRA | NEW DELHI | 30 July, 2016

The CBI is yet to act on a complaint made by an estate officer belonging to the Defence Research Development Organization (DRDO), alleging that private individuals have constructed several guesthouses and hotels illegally in the high security and sensitive Landour cantonment area in Mussoorie.

The complaint letter and other related documents that have been accessed by this newspaper, say that the construction of hotels and guesthouses in the cantonment area was done without taking any required permission, mostly between 2000 and 2014. The letter alleges that most of the hotels and the guesthouses belong to a Mumbai based hotelier named Sanjay Narang.

In the letter, which was sent by the DRDO official on 6 July to the CBI, the complainant had stated that several high-end hotels and guesthouses were running illegally in the high security cantonment area.

“There many high end hotels and guest houses are running here illegally such as Rokeby Manor, Bothwell Bank, Tabour Cottage, Pine Tree Lodge, Lanodur Bakery (all owned by Mars Hospitality Group of Sanjay Narang), La Villa Batheny, Ivy Bank, Domas Inn, Devdar Woods, Prospect Point,” the letter, which was received by the CBI, reads.

According to the letter, the CEO of the Landour Cantonment Board stated that “no permission has been given to anyone to build any guesthouse” when the DRDO official wrote to the former, asking how and when permission to build these guesthouses were given.

The reply by Subrat Pal, the CEO of the Landour Cantonment, dated 12 May 2016, reads: “The board has not given licenses to any persons or firms to run the guest houses in the cantonment area.”

The DRDO official thereafter wrote to the CBI seeking investigation into how these guesthouses and resorts were allowed to come up in the high security zone.

“Sachin Tendulkar had admitted that he had met Manohar Parrikar to seek help in sorting out the problems being faced by Narang in Landour cantonment.”

The complainant, in his letter alleged, “Mr Narang also constructed a big mansion (Dahlia Bank) behind ITM violating Works of Defence act… It’s impossible to run 12 hotels without permission in a cantonment area, if (the) integrity and sanctity of the Cantonment is intact.” This newspaper has independently confirmed that the CBI has received the letter. ITM is Institute of Technology Management, a DRDO laboratory.

Sources in DRDO said that ITM had raised the issue of illegal construction of guesthouses and resorts in the cantonment area in 2007 and had written to the local authorities and the cantonment board seeking investigation into the same. But no action was taken either by the local authorities or the cantonment board, sources further revealed.

According to them, a letter seeking inquiry into these illegal constructions was also written to the Defence Estate Officer, Meerut Cantonment, in June this year after which a senior defence official from the Central Command met the complainant and other officials last week in Mussoorie.

This newspaper has accessed another letter written by one Colonel Sial, nominated member from ITM in the Landour Cantonment Board. The letter, written in May, alleges that at least six guesthouses and resorts are being operated by Mars Hospitality Group inside Landour cantonment area. The letter reads: “…none of the owners of the properties have been able to produce any letter that allows them to carry out construction, repair or addition.”

Replying to this newspaper’s queries, Sanjay Narang stated, “I have not seen any complaint filed by the ITM against our properties in Landour. Rest assured all of our properties have been acquired legally and are operated with all permissions necessary. We have no resort in Landour and the only guesthouse we operate in Landour is Rokeby Manor, which has been running since prior to 1905.” Despite repeated attempts, CBI director Anil Sinha did not respond to the queries of this newspaper. However, sources in the agency said that since this was a very high profile matter, the agency was waiting before taking appropriate action. Retired cricketer Sachin Tendulkar had last week admitted that he had met Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar to seek help in sorting out the problems being faced by Narang in Landour cantonment.

Landour cantonment case: Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar acts, notices soon

landour-case-defence-ministry-acts-notices-soon
The defence ministry is taking stock of the situation at Landour cantonment, Mussoorie, after a complaint by a serving officer alleged wrongdoing.

By Manu Pubby, ET Bureau | Jul 29, 2016,
NEW DELHI: The defence ministry is taking stock of the situation at Landour cantonment, Mussoorie, after a complaint by a serving officer alleged wrongdoing related to several prime properties at the hill station that he said may prove to be “bigger than the Adarsh Housing scam“.

Even as the Central Vigilance Commission (CVC), which received a complaint by the estate officer of a DRDO lab located in Landour alleging a scam, moved on the matter, asking for comments from all concerned departments, sources told ET that senior defence ministry officials are tackling the issue.

As part of a fact finding mission, a senior official of the department of defence estates visited Landour after an ET story that revealed that cricketing legend Sachin Tendulkar met defence minister Manohar Parrikar regarding a property dispute over a holiday retreat.
Separately, a complaint by DRDO officer Y Ashok Babu had red flagged several commercial establishments (hotels) running in Landour allegedly without permissions, posing a security threat and eroding green cover, as reported by ET.

Sources said that the cantonment board is likely to send notices to several properties located at Landour, including some owned or being run by Tendulkar’s aide, businessman Sanjay Narang.

Also, a change of stance is unlikely on ‘Dahlia Bank’, a hill mansion owned by Narang which is at the center of a property dispute with the cantonment board and DRDO establishment Institute of Technology Management.
Tendulkar, who frequently stays at the mansion, met Parrikar with regard to this dispute.

Narang has denied allegations of wrongdoing, while Tendulkar said that he went for the meeting but denied any economic interests in Landour. In the complaint sent by Babu, a Scientist D posted at ITM in charge of works and estate, to the central bureau of investigation (CBI) and the CVC, allegations of “Illegal high investment commercial activities” have been levelled. These are against a dozen properties, including `Dahlia Bank’ that is owned by Tendulkar’s aide Sanjay Narang.

CBI arrests Army officer for accepting bribe

Kautilya Singh | TNN | Jul 9, 2016

CBI arrests Army officer for accepting bribe - Times of India

DEHRADUN: The Central Bureau of Investigation on Friday arrested an Army officer, Lt Colonel Bharat Joshi, posted in Instruments Research and Development Establishment’s (IRDE) military engineering services unit in Dehradun for accepting bribe of Rs 10,000 to issue a completion certificate. After being produced in the court of a duty magistrate on Saturday, the officer was sent to Dehradun jail till Monday.
According to the complaint, contractor Harendra Singh was given a contract for constructing two-storey residential buildings in the IRDE campus at Raipur’s Udhyan Vihar area. Singh was to collect Rs 16 lakh after completion of the work and he needed a completion certificate for the same, which had to be issued by Joshi.
Singh said that the officer demanded Rs 38,000 to issue the certificate. On July 4, Singh reportedly handed over Rs 10,000 as initial amount to Joshi. However, within a few days Joshi asked for another Rs 10,000 which was to be paid in his office. The remaining amount was to be given after Singh received his payment.
However, rather than handing over the amount, this time Singh approached CBI with his complaint. “After verifying the allegations we laid a trap to arrest the accused,” said a CBI official. As Singh was handing over the amount to Joshi, the CBI team arrested the officer.
Soon after this, senior CBI officers, including SP Sujit Kumar and deputy SP Akhil Kaushik, arrived at IRDE and questioned the accused. The team also conducted a search at Joshi’s office and his residence. The team also collected some documents and are scrutinizing them. A case under the relevant section of the Prevention of Corruption Act has been registered against the accused.
Meanwhile, sources said that another officer of the IRDE is also under CBI scanner as the agency has found some initial clues which linked him to the incident.

sunday times 10 July 2016

Parrikar protects whistleblower and takes action against his DRDO harassers

By Pradip R Sagar | Express News Service Published: 30th May 2016
Manohar-Parrikar
NEW DELHI: Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar has been in South Block for just 18 months, but the 61-year-old has taken several strong measures. In a recent order with a far-reaching impact, Parrikar has not only given protection to a whistleblower, but has also ordered action against officials harassing him.

Prakash Singh, a 53-year-old Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) official, was sacked on the grounds that he was a “perpetual troublemaker”. In reality, Singh had blown the lid off alleged financial irregularities and malpractices in recruitment procedures in the country’s premier defence research agency.

As his series of complaints led to unease, he was sent on compulsory retirement in 2012.
ParrikarDespite complaining to then defence minister A K Antony, nothing was done. Last year, Singh apprised Parrikar of the root cause of his harassment and held 22 DRDO officials responsible for his persecution. Parrikar then ordered quashing of charges against Singh and action against the officials.
“The case has been examined in the light of advice of CVC (Central Vigilance Commission) and after detailed deliberations, the competent authority has ordered quashing of the charges framed against Prakash Singh,” says a Ministry of Defence order. “Those who trumped up false charges and committed a number of procedural irregularities with the single-minded objective of harassing Prakash Singh need to be identified and taken to task for their malafide action.”

Singh’s complaints of corruption in the agency and 10 DRDO scientists recruiting their family members in the organisation by flouting all norms is being investigated by the CBI.

Prakash Singh’s complaints to CBI, CVC

Laser Science & Technology Centre (LASTEC) failed to utilise the pressure recovery system (PRS), a hi-tech equipment imported from Russia for Rs 16.58 crore. Singh alleged that the equipment was burnt in a “mysterious” fire, but DRDO said that the project was successful.

Highlighted nepotism in DRDO recruitment by senior scientists who “recruited their family members by flouting rules”. During a CBI probe, two scientists were asked to leave on the same grounds

PIL status – Fact Finding Inquiry has already been held and he undertakes to place before this Court the inquiry report.

IN THE HIGH COURT OF DELHI AT New Delhi

+ W.P.(C) 3610/2015 & C.M.No.6436/2015 (directions)

PRABHU DANDRIYAL ….. Petitioner

Through: Mr.R.Sathish, Adv. with Mr.Mohan Das K.K., Adv.

 Versus UNION OF INDIA & ORS…..

Respondents Through: Mr.Sanjay Jain, ASG

with Mr.Anil Soni, Ms.Aastha Jain, Mr.Akash Nagar, Advs. for R-1 to 3.

Mr.R.V.Sinha, Adv. for R-5/CVC. Mr.R.V.Sinha.

with Mrs.Monica Gupta, Adv. for CBI.

CORAM: HON’BLE THE CHIEF JUSTICE HON’BLE MR. JUSTICE RAJIV SAHAI ENDLAW

ORDER  29.04.2015 C.M.No.7764/2015 (exemptions) Exemptions allowed subject to all just exceptions. W.P.(C) No.3610/2015

The learned ASG appearing for the respondents, on instructions

States that the Fact Finding Inquiry has already been held and he undertakes to place before this Court the inquiry report.

Re-notify on 27.05.2015. CHIEF JUSTICE APRIL 29, 2015/‘anb’ RAJIV SAHAI ENDLAW, J

Dear Friends see the DRDO statement in Delhi Court, the whole country is witness the unprecedented delays in all major projects and same manner DRDO misleading the honorable High Court, Delhi

DRDO is applying same tactics in Delhi High Court by stating that Fact Finding Inquiry has already been held and he undertakes to place before this Court the inquiry report in second appearance and again asked for time.

See the facts

The First Fact Finding Inquiry Committee headed by Dr S S Negi, Sc H, members Shri Manoj Bali , Scientist ‘G’ and Shri Jagdeep, Scientist ‘F’ visited A on 13th – 14th, March 2014 for inquiry on the complaint submitted against Dr. A K Saxena

What submitted by First Fact finding Committee

As per Sh D N Tripathi, Sc F, Addl. Director Administration and Finance, DMSRDE, Kanpur submitted supplementary counter affidavit to Honorable  CAT, Allahabad on 4 June 2014

  1. Fact finding not found any truth for complaint submitted by Sh Navin Praksh Gupta and Prabhu Dandriyal and thus dropped and rejected.
  2. Prabhu Dandriyal was terminated by DRDO (Stated without proof and will pay for that will be filed criminal case against Sh D N Tripathi, Sc F, Addl. Director Administration and Finance, DMSRDE, Kanpur in Dehradun Court)
  3. Photo copy of Fact Finding Report submitted in honorable CAT Allahabad as annexure SCA-3. (It means DRDO having readily available fact finding report the why they wasted precious time of honorable Delhi High Court)

As per Dr A K Singh Letter DOP/DS/008/M/01 dated 28 May 2014to Director, DMSRDE, Kanpur.

Brief facts on the basis of Fact Finding committee – Interestingly fact finding was constituted to find out facts of corruption related allegations within the procurement files.

But Chairman FFIC, Dr S S Negi who is Dr (PhD) on Semiconductor Devices turns Dr on psychology and forgot the procurement related corruption allegation, started the analyses of behavior and life style of Sh R P Bhatt, Sc’F’ and Sh N P Gupta, Sc ‘C’

Committee certified that – Sh R P Bhat, Sc’F’ is a habitual drunkenness, misbehavior, threatening and harassment to others, including the transfer to other lab. The question is it was in the purview of Dr. Negi & team or if it is correct than how Sh R.P Bhatt promoted up to Sc ‘F’, is Dr Negi team gone through the last 5 years APAR of Sh R P Bhatt any negative comment of Dr A K Saxena was there?

Committee suggested that – Necessary action to be initiated against Sh R P Bhat, Sc’F’

Dr. Negi & team can able to stand with their statement in front of High Court, Allahabad?

As Sh R P Bhatt challenged is transfer on the basis of recommendations of Fact Finding Committee

Basically Dr. Negi is very good in scientific work but very poor in administration and management, after assumption of charge as Director, IRDE every day he is facing lot of irregularities of employees and scientists, Union running the local administrations of IRDE, like internal posting /transfer, safety shoe purchase without proper specification, who will go for TD, who will be chair for different investigation enquiries, whom to serve warnings, to whom to give AMC, to whom to give man power supplies, who will sit in security and all sundry things

Second Fact finding Committee

Shri Avinash Chander , DGR&D and SA to RM constituted second four members  FFIC under Chairmanship of Dr. D C Pande, Outstanding Scientist, LRDE, Bangalore  and members Shri Hari babu Srivastva, Director, LASTEC, New Delhi, Shri R S Mehta, Joint Director, Dte of Vigilance& Security, DRDO Hqrs, Shri Jagdeep, Scientist ‘F’,Dte of Materials Management DRDO Hqrs  reached at Kanpur on 9th July early morning 5:00 AM at DMSRDE, Guest House, Kanpur by Rewa Express.

As per sources the second Fact finding Committee asked all procurement related files and found lot of irregularities, but the Sh Avinash Chander and Dr A K Singh both were given assurance to Dr A K Saxena, the reason only know to them or GOD.

The website have all documentary evidences to prove the corruption allegations, it is expected that DRDO have no choice to send all these cases for CBI inquiry and website will submit all those evidences to CBI, which website continuously receiving.

See the DRDO efficiency till date DRDO not take any action on the basis of second fact finding committee reports or neither had they submitted the fact finding report to CVO, MOD.

As Director (Vigilance), MOD has sought Director (Vigilance & Security), DRDO for consolidated report by his letter dated 04 August 2014.

PIL – Dr A K Saxena- Respondent Seeks time – Next Date – 29 April 2015

IN THE HIGH COURT OF DELHI AT NEW DELHI

+ W.P.(C) 3610/2015, CMs No.6436/2015 (for directions) & 6437/2015

(for exemption)

PRABHU DANDRIYAL ….. Petitioner

Through: Mr. R. Sathish, Adv.

Versus

UNION OF INDIA & ORS ….. Respondents

Through: Mr. Sanjay Jain, ASG with Mr. Anil Soni and Mr. Naginder BEnipal,

Advs. for R-1 to 3.

Mr. R.V. Sinha and Mr. A.S. Singh,

Advs. for R-5/CVC.

Ms. Rajdipa Behura, Adv. for

R-8/CBI.

CORAM:

HON’BLE THE CHIEF JUSTICE

HON’BLE MR. JUSTICE RAJIV SAHAI ENDLAW

O R D E R

15.04.2015

Mr. Anil Soni, learned standing counsel appearing for the respondents seeks time to get instructions.

Re-notify on 29th April, 2015.

CHIEF JUSTICE RAJIV SAHAI ENDLAW, J.

APRIL 15, 2015

bs

PIL – DRDO

PRAYER

It is, therefore, most respect fully prayed that this Hon’ble Court may graciously be pleased to:-

i) issue a writ, order or direction in the nature of mandamus commanding/directing the Respondent No. 1 & 2 to give directions to CBI to register cases under the Prevention of Corruption Act on the basis of information furnished by the petitioner contained in all the 12 complaints filed before the respondents (Annexure P-2 to P-13) and direct investigation in accordance with law; and

ii) issue such other writ, order or directions as this Hon’ble Court may deem fit and proper having regard to the facts and circumstances of the case; AND

iii)    to award costs                           

Filed by

(R. Sathish)

Corruption Complaints Status against Dr A K Saxena, Director, DMSRDE, DRDO, Kanpur & other officials working with him
Corruption Complaints Status against Dr A K Saxena, Director, DMSRDE, DRDO, Kanpur & other officials working with him
Corruption Complaints Status against Dr A K Saxena, Director, DMSRDE, DRDO, Kanpur & other officials working with him page-2
Corruption Complaints Status against Dr A K Saxena, Director, DMSRDE, DRDO, Kanpur & other officials working with him page-2

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