Catching collars of culprits, CBI registers corruption case against Sanjay Bhandari

New Delhi, June 22: With an aim to catch the collar of culprits, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has registered a case against controversial arms dealer Sanjay Bhandari, unknown officials of Indian Air Force and Ministry of Defence for alleged corruption in the procurement of 75 Pilatus basic trainer aircraft in 2009.

 

Officials said today that the CBI also carried out searches at the residence and office of Bhandari in connection with the deal.

Switzerland-based Pilatus Aircraft Ltd has also been named as an accused by the CBI in the case pertaining to the charges of irregularities and bribe of 339 crore rupees in the procurement.

Ten days back, in a strict step, the Ministry of Defence has banned all transactions and dealings Bhandari’s firm Offset India Solutions (P) Ltd and its group companies as well as functionaries until further orders. There are multiple allegations of corruption against his firms, the MoD said in an order issued.

"In continuation of the MoD ID of even number dated 02.08.2018 in the matter of suspension of Business Dealings with M/s Offset India Solutions (OIS) and its group companies, it has been decided ... to extend the period of dealings with OIS until further orders. All wings in this Ministry and Service Headquarters are requested to ensure strict compliance of the above decision," the order signed by undersecretary (vigilance) said. While the MoD had barred OIS from the business list in 2018, it was valid only for six months.

Bhandari is believed to be a close associate of Robert Vadra, and a high-profile defence consultant, liaison services provider and executor of offsets obligations for foreign armament companies. After setting up his flagship company Offset India Solutions (OIS) Group in 2008 with a paid-up capital of just Rs 1 lakh, the rapid escalation of the group into a multi-crore venture, it caught the eye of the investigators. Sanjay Bhandari's business dealings were red-flagged in 2014 after the NDA came to power.