High level corruption in Bofors gun deal: CPI-M

NEW DELHI: Asking the government to pursue the Bofors gun deal pay-offs case, the CPI(M) today said the way it has been handled so far was "a continuing reminder" that there was no check against corruption in high places.

"If the people have to have any confidence that the recent large-scale corruption cases will be investigated and acted upon, the Bofors case will have to be pursued without let-up," the party Politburo said in a statement here.

The Income Tax Appellate Tribunal ruling that Rs 41.2 crore was paid as kickbacks to late Win Chaddha and Italian businessman Ottavio Quattrocchi "have once again confirmed that high level corruption was involved in the Bofors gun deal", it said.

The party said that despite all evidence, "the CBI and the judicial system have failed to pinpoint the guilty and take action."

"The way the Bofors case has been handled to allow the guilty to go unpunished is a continuing reminder that there is no check against corruption in high places," the CPI(M) said.

Instead of trying to close the case without anyone being found accountable, what is required is pursuance of the case and bringing the guilty to trial, the Left party added.