Copter deal: After CBI, Enforcement Directorate too summons former IAF chief

New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi “did not cut any deal of any sort” in the Agusta investigations, a furious Government said on Friday evening — while lashing out at the Opposition fiercely — adding that the central issue in the matter is corruption and that any other line of assumption, approach and effort, as is being attempted in some quarters, is misleading, tries to hide the wrong-doers and is driven by instincts of self preservation.

The Government also termed attempts to link NSA Ajit Doval and Principal Secretary to PM Nripendra Mishra to one of the accused as a “totally baseless assertion and indicative of malicious intent”.

“Those who cannot see Prime Minister succeed even hint at him cutting a deal. Nothing could be farther from the truth. Prime Minister Modi did not cut any deal of any sort. His only goal and priority is the development of comprehensive national power, and empowerment of our masses,” the Government statement said.

Meanwhile, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) has summoned former IAF chief S.P. Tyagi in connection with its money laundering probe in the Rs 3,600 crore AgustaWestland VVIP copter deal case.

This is the first time that the ex-Chief Of Staff of the Indian Air Force has been summoned by the central agency. Official sources said the summons to Tyagi have been issued under the provisions of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act.

While the exact date when Tyagi is supposed to appear before the Investigating Officer of the case here has been kept under wraps, it is understood he has been asked to come “in person” in the next week.

The CBI has questioned Tyagi earlier in the same case and he had then denied any wrongdoing. The CBI has also summoned former Air Marshal J.S. Gujaral, who had allegedly attended a crucial meeting pertaining to the contract in March 2005, on Saturday.

The allegation against the former Air chief is that he allegedly reduced the height of the VVIP helicopters so that AgustaWestland could be included in the bids.