The CBI has registered a case against unknown officials of Indian Air Force, ministry of defence and controversial arms dealer Sanjay Bhandari for alleged corruption in procurement of 75 Pilatus basic trainer aircraft for the Indian Air Force in 2009, officials said on Saturday.
The CBI also carried out searches at the residence and office of Bhandari in connection with the deal, officials said.
Switzerland-based Pilatus Aircraft Ltd has also been named as an accused by the CBI in the case pertaining to the charges of irregularities and bribes of Rs 339 crore in the procurement, the agency said.
The then-ruling United Progressive Alliance (UPA) had contracted for the delivery of 75 PC-7 turboprop trainers from Pilatus. The Pilatus trainers were purchased to provide the first stage of training for rookie pilots of the Indian Air Force.
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The Indian Air Force put on hold a planned contract for 38 more PC-7 aircraft from Pilatus after allegations emerged in 2016 that Bhandari had facilitated illegal payments in the original contract.
(With PTI inputs)
