New Delhi: In fresh trouble for arms dealer Abhishek Verma, the CBI has initiated another probe into alleged possession of documents related to small arms deal with him which allegedly violated Official Secrets Act.
CBI sources said the agency has registered a preliminary enquiry against unnamed officials after documents dispatched by estranged business associate of Verma, C Edmond Allen, were found to be genuine and confidential by the Defence Ministry.
The sources said Allen had claimed that these documents were shared by Verma with a small arms manufacturer based in the US to show his clout in the power circles.
They claimed the material sent by Allen, who is having litigations with Verma in India and the US, carried some photographs and videos shot during meetings of his wife Anca Neacsu with a Home Ministry Official in his office.
The sources said Anca was allegedly lobbying for the small arms manufacturer who was trying to bag the contract replacing widely used INSAS assault rifles.
They said in a bid to show her influence in the government circles and reach to senior officials, she shot some videos of these meetings which were sent to the manufacturer.
This was brought to notice by Allen who dispatched the videos, email conversations and other material to the CBI for carrying out a probe.
The agency cross checked with the Defence Ministry which opined that the material was confidential and its possession violated Official Secrets Act.
After registering a preliminary enquiry, the CBI plans to call for seeking clarifications from the Home Ministry official who is under the scanner. The agency might also seek permission of the court to question Anca in connection with the case.
Both Verma and Anca are in Tihar prison under judicial custody. CBI has booked them for alleged violation of OSA and under provisions of Prevention of Corruption Act in at least five cases.
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