Kolkata: The Governor of West Bengal MK Narayanan has resigned after being questioned by the CBI in connection with an alleged swindle centered on the sale of 12 helicopters to India by AgustaWestland, an Anglo-Italian defence manufacturer.
80-year-old Narayanan was interrogated for two hours as a witness on Friday at his official residence in Kolkata. He was in a pool of about 12 governors appointed by the previous government whose exit from office is being sought by the new Modi administration.
He had completed four of his five-year term as governor.
Narayanan was the National Security Advisor in 2005 and attended meetings where technical specifications were amended for the 12 helicopters that the government wanted to buy for the use of the Prime Minister and President among others. The changes ensured that AgustaWestland qualified for the contract.
The 3600-crore deal was signed in 2010. It was cancelled in January this year by India over allegations that kickbacks were paid by AgustaWestland and its parent company, Italian defence giant Finnmeccanica.
Bureau Report
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