It was stated that CBI headquarters generally does not inform the local CBI offices when raids are conducted in crucial cases in which national security is at stake.

The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) conducted raids in Delhi and in Bangalore over Tatra Truck deal row on Friday, after a case has been registered in connection with the supply of all-terrain Tatra trucks through BEML, a PSU to the Army. CBI has also grilled Vectra group chairman Ravi Rishi who is a majority stake holder in London based Vectra Limited a company dealing with Tatra trucks.  Incidentally Ravi, a British national is in New Delhi in connection with an Auto expo.

It may be recalled that the deal came under scanner after Army chief General VK Singh had alleged that he was offered Rs 14 crore bribe to clear a file related to purchase of trucks. CBI sources said that the Defence Ministry has sent a reference to it seeking a probe in the allegations. However, the agency is said to be waiting for a formal complaint from Gen Singh before initiating a probe into his allegations. Commenting on the involvement of lobbyists in the deal, BEML chief VRS Natarajan said that BEML had assembled and supplied about 7,000 Tatra trucks and no complaint was filed.

Sources informed that CBI officials who conducted raids on BEML headquarters had seized several documents relating to the supply of Tatra trucks to the Army by BEML. Though company sources confirmed the raids, did not divulge details or outcome of the raids. Sources said that local CBI officials were not informed about the raid on BEML Soudha, its headquarters, as CBI officials took the assistance of the local police. It was stated that CBI headquarters generally does not inform the local CBI offices when raids are conducted in crucial cases in which national security is at stake. (SSNS)