The CBI today registered a preliminary enquiry (PE) into the allegation by Army Chief General V K Singh that he was offered a Rs 14-crore bribe by a retired officer to clear a tranche of sub-standard vehicles. The agency received a complaint from Gen. Singh yesterday giving details of the alleged bribery offer made by retired Lt General Tejinder Singh. The decision to file a PE instead of an RC (regular case) indicates that the CBI does not find the allegations substantive enough to immediately lodge an FIR naming the suspected bribe giver. Officials in the CBI team said they have decided to,instead,commence a discreet inquiry and after assessing the evidence decide whether to file an FIR or not. The fact that the CBI has not been given any audio or video evidence makes its task tougher. A PE allows the agency to close the case more easily if the evidence found is insufficient. There will be no cover-up and no vendetta,Defence Minister A K Antony said today,in response to questions over the charge by the Army Chief. Corruption will not be tolerated. Even if there is suspicion,a probe will be ordered, the Defence Minister said,on the sidelines of a function of the Indian Coast Guard here. Indias interests are our only concern. We are not against any company or country. Pointing out that efforts were on to make defence procurement more transparent,he said: When people do not get contracts,there will be allegations. Some companies do try to influence officials and if it is proved,action will be taken. On reported differences between the Army and Defence Ministry,the minister stressed: Both are functioning from the same building. There is no communication gap,no confrontation. I function as a joint family. I am very comfortable. with PTI
