Bofors accused Ottavio Quattrocchi today maintained that there was no proof linking him to the Bofors payoffs but expressed his willingness to be questioned by the CBI in Italy.Breaking his silence, Quattrocchi faxed a statement from Milan in Italy reacting to the latest controversy concerning the Law ministry’s communication to the British authorities that there was no proof linking the funds in his two banks accounts in London with the gun deal. The accounts have since been defrozen on the orders of the London high court.The controversial businessman said that since the CBI had no evidence linking his London bank accounts with Bofors after a probe lasting nearly three years, the British authorities were left with no option but to defreeze the accounts. The case against him should end now, he demanded.Contacted over telephone, Quattrocchi, whose extradition has been sought by India for the last several years, said he was willing to be examined by CBI in Italy.“The CBI questioned others named in the case such as the Hindujas and Win Chadha outside India. I am willing to be subjected to similar questioning,” he said.Take my resignation, says angry BhardwajNEW DELHI: Law minister H R Bhardwaj tonight reacted angrily to queries on speculation about his resignation. As Bhardwaj left the annual Dr K N Katju memorial lecture venue, reporters sought his reaction. He shot back: “Then take my resignation (To le lo mera isteefa). You people are insulting me. I will not talk to you.” Known for his long speeches, Bhardwaj wrapped up his lecture on “Role of the Bar in a democracy” within 10-12 minutes. —PTI
