The agency also arrested Gautam Khaitan, a Delhi-based lawyer and Sanjeev Tyagi alias Julie Tyagi in connection with the case.

Tyagi has denied allegations that he had influenced the 3,600-crore deal for VVIP helicopters in favour of Italy’s AgustaWestland during is tenure as the IAF chief.

 Over the past few years, the retired IAF chief has been repeatedly grilled for several hours by the investigating agency over his links with the middlemen who helped broker the deal. He had also been quizzed about the source of funding for his post-retirement trip to Italy.

Earlier this year, the Milan Court of Appeals — equivalent of an Indian High Court — had given details of how alleged bribes were paid by helicopter-maker Finmeccanica and AgustaWestland to Indian officials through middlemen to clinch the deal. The order mentioned the name of Tyagi at several points. But Tyagi to this day denies any wrongdoing in the case.

(Feature image source: PTI)