In a fresh twist to the CBI’s investigations into the murky Tatra truck deal, the defence ministry on Monday suspended Bharat Ear-th Movers Ltd chairman V.R.S. Natarajan following a strongly-worded note from the investigating agency.
What is startling, government sources said, is that the CBI told the ministry Mr Natarajan was trying to influence key witnesses. He is likely to be questioned by the CBI soon.
The CBI told the ministry it was not possible to conduct an impartial investigation if Mr Natarajan remained BEML chief. The CBI has been given the green light to proceed against Mr Natarajan in whatever manner it wishes: whether in questioning him or raiding premises to gather crucial documents.
The defence ministry has directed BEML’s seniormost director, Mr P. Dwarkanath, to hold charge of the organisation for the time being.
In Bengaluru, meanwhile, Mr Natarajan told reporters that he “respected” the government’s decision, and declared that he “will come out clean in the case”.