CBI probe ordered over bribes in aircraft engine deal

New Delhi, March 2 :

Defence Minister A.K. Antony has ordered a CBI probe into allegations of bribing of defence officials to bag contracts worth over Rs.10,000 crore during 2007-2011 by a global engine manufacturing firm, ministry sources said Sunday.

The deal relates to supply of engines for Hawk trainer and Jaguar fighter aircraft, and involves London-based Rolls Royce company.

Allegations surfaced after a letter received by the Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) claimed that bribes were paid to HAL officials.

An internal probe by the vigilance wing of HAL has prima facie established the charges, sources said.

The move may affect several programmes of the Indian Air Force.

In his tenure of more than eight years, the defence minister has handed over around 100 cases of alleged corruption to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) for investigation.

Recently, the ministry had taken tough action in the AgustaWestland chopper scam, cancelling a Rs.3,600-crore deal.

(IANS)