India Sends Judicial Request To US For Fresh Information On Rs 64 Crore Bofors Scam

In a renewed effort to probe one of India’s most controversial defence deals, India has sent judicial request to the United States (US) regarding the Rs 64-crore Bofors case, reported The Times of India.

This step could breathe new life into the investigation surrounding the procurement of 155mm field artillery guns from Sweden, a deal that took place under the Congress-led government of Rajiv Gandhi in the late 1980s.

The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has formally approached the US Department of Justice with a letter rogatory—a legal request issued by a special court, seeking cooperation in obtaining critical case details. 

According to the ToI report, the request, issued by a special court in Delhi, specifically sought case details which Michael Hershman, the head of US-based private detective firm Fairfax, had regarding the kickbacks that Swedish arms manufacturer A B Bofors allegedly paid to bag the order for 400 howitzers from India.

Hershman's Allegations and Swiss Bank Account Link

Hershman has played a significant role in the Bofors controversy, making explosive claims over the years.

In 2017, he alleged that then Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi was "furious" when he came across details of a Swiss bank account named 'Mont Blanc', which reportedly held the bribe money linked to the Bofors deal. 

He further claimed that his investigation into the matter was sabotaged by the then government.

The CBI had initiated its legal move by seeking court approval in October, outlining its intention to approach US authorities for more details. 

The process gained momentum after Hershman agreed to cooperate with Indian agencies, potentially paving the way for fresh revelations in the case.

Unresolved Questions on Quattrocchi’s Involvement

Even decades after the deal was signed, the case remains riddled with unanswered questions, particularly concerning the role of Ottavio Quattrocchi, an Italian businessman with significant influence in the Rajiv Gandhi government.

Quattrocchi was accused of being a middleman in the alleged bribery scheme but managed to leave India for Malaysia while still under investigation.

Further adding to the controversy was an incident in 1992, when Madhavsinh Solanki, the then External Affairs Minister, reportedly handed over a letter to his Swiss counterpart, urging Swiss authorities to delay cooperation on India’s request for case-related information.

The Bofors scandal, originally unearthed by Swedish radio in 1987, played a major role in the Congress party’s defeat in the 1989 general elections. 

Although the Delhi High Court dismissed bribery charges against Rajiv Gandhi in 2004, the case has continued to raise concerns over accountability.

Legal History and Case Developments

The CBI registered a formal case in 1990 and followed up with chargesheets in 1999 and 2000. 

However, after Rajiv Gandhi was cleared, a special court dismissed all charges against the remaining accused, including those against the Hinduja brothers.

Quattrocchi was discharged in 2011 when a court allowed the CBI's prayer to withdraw prosecution against him.

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