Having recorded statements of three Governors in the VVIP chopper deal case, the Central Bureau of Investigation is now focussing on a 2003 high-level meeting during the NDA regime that was in an “in-principle” consent for a “realistic” operational requirement of the helicopters.
While the Indian Air Force previously opposed any change in the mandatory operational flight-capability requirement of 6,000 metres for the helicopters to be purchased, it was later scaled down to 4,500 metres in 2005. This allowed AgustaWestland to bid and ultimately bag the deal in 2010 for supply for 12 helicopters.
The agency also examined the then Defence Secretary, SPG Inspector General, Secretary (Security) and the then Special Secretary (Acquisition).
