IB says no Army Chief role in PM letter leak: Reports

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Sources within the Intelligence Bureau have revealed that the confidential defence letter to the Prime Minister was not leaked by the Army Chief, reports have claimed.

The IB have just begun an investigation into the leak, that caused a furore last week with many demanding the resignation of Gen. V.K. Singh for the leak.

Defence Minister A.K Antony had ordered an IB probe into the matter.

Last week, facing demands for his dismissal, Gen. Singh had said the leak of his letter to the Prime Minister, presenting a grim picture of the force's defence preparedness, should be treated as 'high treason' and the source of leakage dealt with 'ruthlessly'.

First meeting since scandal

Amid allegations of bribery, the Defence Minister on Monday asked the army to streamline its purchase process in a manner that accountability can be fixed in the event of slippages.

This was conveyed by Antony to army brass led by Gen. Singh at a meeting to finalise the army's capital acquisition proposals at the South Block.

This is the first time Antony and Gen. Singh came face-to-face since the acrimony over the army chief's allegation of a bribe offer made to him by a retired officer and the leak.

CBI grill VECTRA chief

Meanwhile, on Monday, the CBI grilled Britain-based Vectra group Ravi Rishi in connection with alleged irregularities in the supply of Tatra trucks to the Indian Army.

The Army chief General V.K. Singh had alleged that he was offered Rs.14 crore in bribe to clear a file related to the purchase of the trucks.

The CBI had raided Tatra offices in Bangalore and New Delhi on Friday. The agency had also confiscated Ravi Rishi's passport.