The Government of India has sent an official request to the US for important information related to the Rs 64 crore Bofors scam. This step is being seen as a sign of reopening the investigation of this defense scam during the Congress government led by Rajiv Gandhi. According to the Times of India report, the CBI has recently sent a letter issued by a special court to the US Justice Department. The letter sought information related to Michael Harshman, head of the US private espionage company Fairfax.
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Why information sought from America?
In 2017, Michael Harshman claimed that when he discovered the Swiss bank account Mont Blanc, where the bribe amount was reportedly deposited from Bofors, the then Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi was extremely angry.
- Hershman said that the then government had stopped his investigation.
- In October 2024, the CBI contacted a Delhi court seeking permission from US officials to get information.
- This request was made when Hershman agreed to cooperate with Indian agencies.
What is the letter of the letter?
This is a formal written request, which the court of one country sends the court of another country to assist in criminal investigation.
What is Bofors scam?
The Bofors scam was exposed by Swedish radio in 1987. This scam became the main reason for the fall of Rajiv Gandhi’s government and the defeat of the Congress in the 1989 elections.
- India had signed a deal to buy a 155 mm field article gun from Sweden, alleging bribe of Rs 64 crore.
- It was a suspicious role of Italian merchant Otavio Quattrocchi, who was considered an influential person in the Rajiv Gandhi government.
- Quattrocchi was allowed to leave India during the investigation, after which he moved to Malaysia.
What happened in the Bofors case so far?
- In 1990, the CBI lodged an FIR in the case.
- Chargesheets were filed in 1999 and 2000.
- In 2004, the Delhi High Court dismissed allegations of bribery against Rajiv Gandhi.
- In 2011, Otavio Quattrocchi was also acquitted.
- All the allegations against the other accused, including the Hinduja brothers, were removed.
What can happen now?
India’s information sought from the US may give a new direction to the Bofors scam investigation. If concrete evidence associated with Michael Harshman’s claims is found, the matter may open again. This can make it clear whether there was corruption in the deal in 1987 and whether any legal action is still possible against the culprits.
