New Delhi, June 22: Based on its probe into the alleged irregularities in procurement of 75 Pilatus basic trainer aircraft in 2009, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has registered a case. The complaint mentions officials of the Indian Air Force (IAF), the Ministry of Defence and controversial arms dealer Sanjay Bhandari.

The agency also raided premises linked to Bhandari in connection with the case, officials said on Saturday. The fugitive arms dealer is wanted in India for alleged breach of foreign exchange rules and kickbacks in defence deals. CBI Books Ex-Air India CMD Arvind Jadhav for Forming Illegal Promotion Panel During 2009-10

Bhandari was booked by the ED in 2016 based on an Income Tax Department and Delhi police complaint of his alleged indulgence in dubious defence deals and land deals.

In December 2017, the ED had seized assets worth Rs 26.61 crore of Bhandari and others for holding undisclosed assets abroad. The assets included undisclosed deposits in foreign bank accounts in the UAE in the various foreign currency denominations, beneficial ownership of companies incorporated in the UAE, one flat in Palms Jumeirah, Dubai and two flats in the UK.

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 bribe of Rs 339 crore in the procurement, the agency said.

(With PTI inputs)

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jun 22, 2019 03:01 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).