#AgustaWestland case: CBI seeks seven-day custody extension of SP Tyagi, two others

SP Tyagi, along with two others accused in VVIP chopper scam, was produced in the Delhi's Patiala court today.

New Delhi: Seeking extension of the judicial custody of SP Tyagi and two other accused in AgustaWestland scam, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) on Wednesday told the court that it would need further remand for investigation as the case. 

The CBI officials told the court today that it seeks to extend the judicial custody of Tyagi and other accused for seven more days. 

The CBI further added that some materials have been received from Switzerland,Italy and other nations and that custodial interrogation of accused is imperative.

Tyagi, along with two others accused in VVIP chopper scam, was produced in the Delhi's Patiala court today.

On Saturday, the court had sent former Air Force Chief SP Tyagi, his cousin Sanjeev Tyagi and advocate Gautam Khaitan to four-day judicial custody in a case related to the alleged irregularities in the Rs 3,700 crore AgustaWestland chopper deal.

Metropolitan Magistrate Sujit Saurabh sent them to CBI custody saying their custodial interrogation was required for a 'fair probe' in the case.

Earlier, during the proceedings, CBI sought 10 days' custody of the accused saying it was a 'very large conspiracy having international ramifications'.

Air Chief Marshal S.P. Tyagi (retd.) was arrested by the Central Bureau of Investigation on December 9, along with his cousin Sanjeev Tyagi and lawyer Gautam Khaitan, for their alleged involvement in the Rs 3,700-crore AgustaWestland VVIP helicopter scam.

They have been accused of routing kickbacks.

The CBI has determined that about Rs 450 crore or 12 per cent of the Rs. 3,767-crore deal for procurement of 12 helicopters was paid as bribe. The government rescinded the contract in January 2014 in view of the bribery allegations.