Prashant Bhushan alleges corruption in defence deals

New Delhi, Apr 27 (ANI): Supreme Court lawyer and Team Anna member Prashant Bhushan has alleged that there is major corruption in defence deals and named a middleman, who is also the son of a lawmaker, as one of the persons involved.

Addressing mediapersons here, Bhushan highlighted the role of businessman and alleged middleman Abhishek Verma, who is the son of lawmakers Shrikant and Veena Verma in manipulating the deals and getting them sanctioned by using his influence in government circles.

He said Verma's U.S based partner made several attempts to alert the Indian Government and important ministers over kickbacks and illegal practices, but his suggestion was never entertained.

"Substantial evidences against Abhishek Verma were provided to the government,-the Central Vigilance Commission, Enforcement Directorate, the Defence Minister and the Prime Minister by his partner stating that Verma is involved in multiple defence deals as a middleman. There is proof of money being transferred into Verma's accounts," said Bhushan.

Raising doubts over the government will to investigate the matter, Bhushan said: "Despite knowing everything and also that Verma is the main accused in the Navy War Room leak, which means that India's defence secrets are being sold away to other countries, he has been released on bail and no effort is being made to arrest him or investigate all these matters. What does this show?"

Drawing example from the exposure, Right to Information (RTI) activist Arvind Kejriwal, called for the immediate formation of a strong anti-corruption Lokpal Bill to combat graft.

"The main conclusion that can be drawn is that it exposes how our country runs on extraction of commission, how the country's security is threatened, it seems that the people on top are involved in this 'commission raj.' Everyone knows whom to deliver the commission, who can get work done? And these people are collecting commissions for people placed in the government other than exposing that it is the job of government agencies like the CBI and the ED not to stop graft but shield the culprits," he said.

"Hence it is extremely important that that an independent Janlokpal Bill is brought which is free from the grip of the government. Also the CBI and ED will have to be made independent from the government's control," he added.

Abhishek Verma is also a key accused in the 2008 Navy War room leak case and is out on bail. (ANI)