THE TWISTS AND TURNS

March 1986: Indian govt and Bofors company sign contract for supply of 410 units of 155mm Howitzer guns worth R1437.72 crore Apr 1987: Swedish Radio broadcast alleges kickbacks by Bofors to Indian officials for contract; name of Italian businessman Ottavio Quattrocchi surfaces as the link Jan 1990: FIR lodged within two months of VP Singh becoming PM Feb 1990: First Letter

Rogatory from India to authorities in Switzerland seeking details of payments in banks there July 1993: Swiss Supreme Court dismisses appeals of Quattrocchi against the decision to take action on the Letter Rogatory July 1993: Quattrocchi leaves India, never returns Feb 1997: Non-bailable warrants issued against him to facilitate issuance of a Red Corner notice by the Interpol Aug 1998: SC dismisses his petition for cancellation of NBWs; traced in Malaysia Oct 1999: First charge sheet filed against him in Delhi court Dec 2002: Malaysian HC turns down India’s plea for his extradition Mar 2004: Malaysian SC dismisses India’s extradition request Jan 2006: SC directs Centre, CBI to ensure that his bank accounts in Britain stay frozen, but he manages to withdraw money Feb 2007: Interpol arrests him at Iguazu airport in Argentina June 2007: Federal court declines India’s request for extradition Apr 2009: CBI withdraws Red Corner Notice against him Oct 2009: CBI seeks court’s permission to withdraw the case against Quattrocchi, says extradition impossible Mar 2011: A Delhi court allows CBI’s plea to withdraw case.