VVIP CHOPPER DEAL

Fresh revelations have raised questions about the UPA govt’s role in awarding contract to AgustaWestland

What is the chopper deal?

India signed a contract with AgustaWestland in February 2010 for 12 AW-101 VVIP helicopters. It beat off competition from US rival Sikorsky to win the contract.

When was it put on hold?

It was put on hold in Feb 2013 after Spagnolini was arrested. The UPA govt terminated the contract in 2014. The firm allegedly paid middlemen more than `375 crore.

Why has the row resurfaced?

In April, an Italian court found AgustaWestland ex-CEO Bruno Spagnolini guilty of graft and awarded him jail term. It said the UPA govt did little to get to the bottom of the scandal.

Who was bribed?

Guido Haschke, a middleman, made references such as “POL,” “AP” and “FAM” in a note, pointing to initials of politicians and bureaucrats who allegedly had to be “handled.”

What did the CAG have to say about the deal?

In an August 2013 report, the comptroller and auditor general said the revision of the IAF’s requirements in 2006 restricted competition and led to a single-vendor situation that benefited AgustaWestland. It pointed out frequent deviations from rules to award the contract.