Fernandes decision on defence probes raises brows

Fernandes decision on defence probes raises brows
GAURAV C SAWANT

NEW DELHI, FEBRUARY 15:

For 16 years, the CBI has been investigating alleged Bofors payoffs. Result: The probe is still on.

CBI probe into the HDW submarine deal has been underway for a decade-and-half. Result: Investigations continue.

Defence Minister George Fernandes' clarion call on corruption in the Defence Ministry (MoD) and investigations into allegations of involvement of middlemen in defence deals is being seen as an effort to fight windmills.Groaning under the weight of cases heaped on them, CBI officials feel that the department is just not capable of taking on any more in the present circumstances. Even within the MoD, there are more skeptics than believers.

Also under question is the timing of the minister's order. The serious charges of corruption levelled by Rear Admiral Suhas Purohit would certainly have rocked the coming session of Parliament. Sources said Fernandes made the announcements to escape the attacks of corruption. Although he made the announcement onSaturday, work is yet to begin. Defence experts see the move as an effort to deflect the pressure. ``It is not the first time he is doing this. In Jan 1999 he had adopted similar tactics after the dismissal of the then Chief of Naval Staff. On Jan 8 last year Fernandes said the forces would be integrated in the Ministry. On Jan 10, an implementation committee was also suggested but now, over a year later, things stand forgotten.

The same will be done in this case too. The minister has made the announcement only to ward off the pressure of corruption in defence deals with some deals expected to be signed soon,'' said the official. According to sources, the CBI, which is yet to be intimated by the CVC, is not very happy about being burdened with more ``dead wood''. The CBI is reportedly seeking defence personnel to be a part of the probe so that expert opinion would be available.

Recalling the Suhas Purohit case, which was referred to CBI even after two committees of the Navy and MoD exonerated him, a CBIofficial told The Indian Express: ``In January '99 itself, after an initial probe we realised there was not much we could do. We are not technical experts to say conclusively whether one company was favoured over the other. If the Navy felt so, then it had reasons. There cannot just be a CVC or CBI or CAG team investigating the case. There have to be officers of the forces concerned to make the probe successful''.