AgustaWestland case: CBI files chargesheet against ex-Defence Secretary Shashi Kant Sharma

In connection with the Rs 3,700 crore AgustaWestland VVIP chopper case, the CBI has filed a supplementary chargesheet against India’s former Defence Secretary Shashi Kant Sharma.

In addition to Sharma, who served as Defence Secretary from 2011 to 2013, the CBI has named several retired IAF officials in its supplementary chargesheet.

According to sources, the CBI has received prosecution sanction against Shashi Kant Sharma, India’s 12th Controller and Auditor General.

The VVIP chopper scam involves the purchase of 12 AgustaWestland VVIP choppers.

Former deputy chief test pilot SA Kunte, Wing Commander (Retrd) Thomas Mathew, and Group Captain (Retrd) N Santosh are among the others.

In March 2020, the agency asked the government for permission to prosecute these officials. In September of that year, the agency filed a chargesheet against 14 individuals and entities allegedly involved in the deal, but Sharma and others were left out due to a lack of sanctions.

During searches in Switzerland, officials discovered a note mentioning “JS Air” as well as the initials of several people. Michel allegedly prepared the note, which was dubbed the “budget sheet.” It was also mentioned in the Milan court while the case was being heard there.

The 14 accused in the CBI chargesheet issued in September 2020 included eight individuals and five entities. Dch, PDSR, 2FTT, and DG Maint were among the initials under ‘AF.’ Initials mentioned under the heading ‘Bur’ included DS, JS Air, AFA Air, and DG Acq, CVC, and Auditor gen. There were Euro figures next to each head. The figure was Euro 6 against ‘AF,’ Euro 8.4 against ‘Bur,’ and Euro 15/16 against ‘Pol.’ The Indian Air Force floated a proposal in 1999 to acquire 12 VVIP helicopters to transport top government officials.

AgustaWestland was awarded the contract in 2010 for more than Rs 3,600 crore. However, this was followed by claims that technical specifications had been changed. Following a preliminary investigation, the CBI filed a FIR on March 14, 2013.