Defence Scam CBI charges US-based company, ex-DRDO employee with cheating in defence deal
New Delhi/IBNS: The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has charged a US-based company with irregularities in the sale of 35 radio frequency generators to Defence Research Development Organisation (DRDO), said media reports.
The DRDO had purchased 35 generators from Akon Inc in 2009 for $10,80,450. The generators were shipped to DRDO in three consignments. However, according to reports, 23 units were shipped back to the US in the name of upgrade and repair and the company is yet to deliver the complete functional units.
The CBI has charged Akon Inc and Priya Suresh, then a scientist in Defence Avionics Research Establishment (DARE) of DRDO, in connection with the irregularities in the purchase of the units, said an NDTV report.
Priya Suresh had recommended that the units be sent back but it wasn't recorded and she had also cleared the payment of the remaining amount (10%) to the US-based company though the deliveries were pending.
The report said the 12 units which remained with DRDO are also non-functional.
The CBI has charged the company and Priya Suresh for cheating, criminal conspiracy and corruption charges after the investigating agency in a preliminary investigation found that Suresh was involved in the alleged fraud.
