Gurgaon, February 13
Former IAF chief Air Chief Marshal (retd) SP Tyagi has pleaded innocence in the AgustaWestland VVIP chopper kickback case, demanding a fair inquiry into the matter.

Addressing mediapersons here today, Tyagi rubbished allegations of accepting bribe to “alter” the Rs 3,600-crore deal, which involved procuring 12 helicopters from Italian firm Finmeccanica.

The former IAF Chief said: “I am shocked that my name has been dragged into this. These allegations are totally false. I retired in 2007 but the deal was signed in 2010. So how do I come in the picture?

“All changes in requirements and specifications are made by the Defence Ministry, which approves it. The tender was issued in my tenure. No specification was changed. Everything is on record. I agree that one of the alleged middlemen, Capt Tyagi, is a cousin but that’s it. I have always kept my personal and professional life separate so please don’t make me a scapegoat,” he said.

I am shocked that my name has been dragged into this. These allegations are totally false. I retired in 2007 but the deal was signed in 2010. So how do I come in the picture?

— Air Chief Marshal SP Tyagi (retd)