The Hinduja brothers on Monday denied a BBC sting operation that claimed the brothers violated an international sanction on supply of ‘‘military specification’’ vehicles to Sudan. The Hindujas said the deal was struck by Ashok Leyland, an Indian company owned by the family.‘‘In agreeing to make supply of vehicles (including ‘Stallion’ off-road trucks) to Sudan, Ashok Leyland has not broken any law — in India, there is no ban on trade with Sudan in any manner,’’ a statement by Ashok Leyland said. ‘‘No shipment has taken place against this agreement.’’However, as per the shareholding pattern of the company, the majority stake is owned by a UK company owned by the Hindujas and Iveco. The Hinduja group and IVECO, Italy (a subsidiary of Fiat) acquired the stake of Leyland of UK in 1987 thus making Land Rover Leyland International, UK, as the holding company of ALL. The holding company holds 50.9 per cent of stake in ALL’s equity.The Ashok Leyland statement said in February 2005, the Indian commercial vehicle major had signed a cooperation agreement with GIAD, Sudan, for completely-knocked down (CKD) supply of 50 Falcon buses, 50 Eagle mini-buses and 100 Stallion trucks.It said these were to be assembled at the Khartoum facility of GIAD and to be used for ‘‘civilian passenger transportation and humanitarian purposes.’’ The agreement also envisaged joint efforts to develop after-sales infrastructure and explore market expansion.According to the Sunday Times, the BBC has alleged that the Hindujas broke international sanctions that bar British citizens from entering into agreements to ship ‘‘military specification’’ vehicles to Sudan.
