NewsBytes
    Hindi Tamil Telugu
    More
    In the news
    Supreme Court Of India
    Central Bureau Of Investigation (CBI)
    Indian Army
    Indian Railways
    Indian Air Force
    NewsBytes
    Hindi Tamil Telugu
    NewsBytes
    User Placeholder

    Hi,

    Logout


    India Business World Politics Sports Technology Entertainment Auto Lifestyle Inspirational Career Bengaluru Delhi Mumbai Visual Stories Find Cricket Statistics Phones Reviews Fitness Bands Reviews Speakers Reviews

    Download Android App

    Follow us on
    • Facebook
    • Twitter
    • Linkedin
     
    Home / News / India News / Bofors: Did Rajiv Gandhi sabotage investigation? CBI wants to re-probe
    India

    Bofors: Did Rajiv Gandhi sabotage investigation? CBI wants to re-probe

    Bofors: Did Rajiv Gandhi sabotage investigation? CBI wants to re-probe
    Written by NewsBytes Desk
    Oct 21, 2017, 12:43 pm 2 min read
    Bofors: Did Rajiv Gandhi sabotage investigation? CBI wants to re-probe
    Credits

    If the CBI's wish is granted, the probe into the Bofors scandal, which has haunted Congress since three decades, might be reopened soon. The agency has sought permission to file a special leave petition in the SC against the discharge of the accused. This comes even as Michael Hershman, CEO of American detective firm Fairfax, alleged the Rajiv Gandhi government sabotaged his investigations.

    The case haunting Congress for over three decades

    On 24 Mar'86, Swedish arms manufacturer AB Bofors entered a Rs. 1,437-crore deal with India for supplying 410 155mm Howitzer field guns to Indian Army. Reports later surfaced about Bofors bribing Indian and Swedish politicians, including the then PM Rajiv Gandhi, to seal the deal. The scandal contributed to the Gandhi government's downfall and subsequent loss in 1989 General Elections.

    'Can't waste taxpayers' money': Case closed in 2011

    Throughout the years, the CBI registered cases against then Bofors President Martin Ardbo; middleman Win Chadda; Defense Secretary SK Bhatnagar; Italian businessman Ottavio Quattrocchi, and more. In 2011, a special CBI court allowed CBI to withdraw the case against Quattrocchi. Then a Delhi court closed the Bofors case ruling Indian taxpayers' money can't be spent on cases that wouldn't "do any good to them."

    Fresh allegations against Rajiv Gandhi by American detective

    Recently, Hershman, who was tasked with probing violations of currency control laws in 1987, said he was amazed a probe was never conducted. "This suggests there are people who are still afraid (of) the truth coming out." He also questioned Rajiv Gandhi's intentions. "…Wouldn't the right thing to do was to launch an investigation?" "Corruption has become part of Indian culture," he noted.

    Always wanted to proceed but UPA didn't allow, CBI claims

    The CBI has maintained that though it wished to proceed with the probe, the UPA government never allowed it. Legal experts say it will have a hard time explaining the 12-year lapse. But it said it will examine the "facts and circumstances" mentioned by Hershman.

    What might this mean for the Congress?

    If its petition is approved, CBI will record the statements of initial investigators, many of whom were reportedly ordered to back off. CBI will also question then ED chief Bhure Lal and his team who were given similar orders. This might dent all chances of a political recovery for the Congress, India's main opposition, who has lost much ground since BJP's 2014 victory.

    Share this timeline
    Facebook
    Whatsapp
    Twitter
    Linkedin
    India
    Central Bureau Of Investigation (CBI)
    Indian Army
    Rajiv Gandhi

    India

    Google reveals nature of software updates for Pixel 2 devices Android
    UIDAI has no jurisdiction over banks: IBA protests directives Reserve Bank Of India (RBI)
    India's mega-submarine project: Japan, Spain pull out; 4 contenders left Japan
    Google, Microsoft, Amazon are considered most authentic brands in India Microsoft

    Central Bureau Of Investigation (CBI)

    Newly revealed emails establish Vadra-Sanjay Bhandari link Robert Vadra
    After life shattered, the Talwars try to return to normalcy India
    Aarushi murder: Talwars walk out after four years in prison Murder
    Talwars to visit Dasna-jail every 15 days to check inmates Murder

    Indian Army

    Indian military to soon get special-forces, cyber and space divisions Law Ministry
    J&K's Kupwara: Soldier accused of braid-chopping thrashed Jammu And Kashmir
    Army seeks "Lego-like" modular bunkers to protect against enemy fire India
    India not weak anymore; China understood India's strength: Rajnath Singh India

    Rajiv Gandhi

    Celebrated lawyer Jethmalani retires after 70 years in service India
    PM Rajiv Gandhi assassination- Nalini Murugan moves UNHRC for release India
    Madras HC rejects Rajiv Gandhi assassin's plea for premature release India
    Rajiv Gandhi remark: Congress asks EC to act against Modi India

    Love India News?

    Subscribe to stay updated.

    India Thumbnail
    Indian Premier League (IPL) Celebrity Hollywood Bollywood UEFA Champions League Tennis Football Smartphones Cryptocurrency Upcoming Movies Premier League Cricket News Latest automobiles Latest Cars Upcoming Cars Latest Bikes Upcoming Tablets
    About Us Privacy Policy Terms & Conditions Contact Us Ethical Conduct Grievance Redressal News News Archive Topics Archive Download DevBytes Find Cricket Statistics
    Follow us on
    Facebook Twitter Linkedin
    All rights reserved © NewsBytes 2023