New Delhi, 26 April, 2012:

Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has been requested to investigate comprehensively into the alleged report of bribe to the Army Chief in respect of purchase of Tatra trucks. A preliminary Enquiry (PE) has been registered by CBI on 11.04.2012. Further, CBI has also registered a case under Section 120B read with 420 IPC and Sections 13(2) read with 13(1)(d) of Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988 against one of the owners and other unknown persons of a UK based company, unknown officials of a Defence PSU, Ministry of Defence and Indian Army.

Instances of cases of corruption in the Indian Army have come to light through various sources including military intelligence, media reports etc. Cognizance of offence is taken on verification of facts. Appropriate action as per rules is taken against those found culpable. Adequate mechanism exists in the Army Act and rules/regulations there under, to curb such acts. Further, whenever required, cases are handed over to investigating agency like Central Bureau of Investigation etc. for investigation.

Army Headquarters has reported that some retired and serving officers are suspected of trying to create a mistrust between the Army and the Ministry of Defence.

The discipline and integrity in the Army is high.

Recently, 06 firms have been debarred from doing business for 10 years with Ministry of Defence, consequent to filing of charge-sheet by CBI. One of these firms, M/s. STK, Singapore was in contention of providing 52-calibre guns to India.

This information was given by Minister of Defence AK Antony in separate written replies to KusumRai, PrabhatJha, Tariq Anwar and others in Rajya Sabha today.

 

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