CBI takes AgustaWestland notes as evidence, to probe those mentioned in the notes

The notes were purportedly written by middlemen nailing politicians, bureaucrats and defence officials who served during UPA regime.

Top sources in Central Bureau of Investigation said the handwritten notes will form piece of evidence in the investigation into more than Rs 3,700 crore chopper deal. Since the documents have been received through letter rogatories and official channel from Italy, those handwritten notes are "relevant as evidence for CBI."

The notes have allegedly been written by middlemen including Hashke, who had bargained with the Italian government for a lesser sentence. The notes were reportedly seized by the Italian authorities from Hashke's mother residence. Hashke's bargain means he had admitted to his guilt and all other statements given by him earlier become redundant.

All the politicians, bureaucrats and defence personnel mentioned in the handwritten notes will be probed by the agency. Sources added the money was paid as kickbacks through middlemen; the agency is busy gathering evidence to establish that the politicians, bureaucrats and defence personnel received the money through circuitous route.

CBI had already arrested former Air Force Chief SP Tyagi and claims to have gathered sufficient evidence that he had received kickbacks, which were invested in properties. CBI's contention is that the former Air Chief had bought properties in cash and did not disclose about this to his department, which is a mandatory requirement. But this has been denied by Tyagi's lawyers in the court.

However, CBI's taking handwritten notes as evidence could broaden the scope of investigations into the case and may also target top UPA leaders. However senior lawyer and MP from Rajya Sabha KTS Tulsi said the handwritten notes have no evidentiary value, moreover Hashke had himself denied writing those notes. He added plea bargained even as per Indian law is not an admission of guilt. It is only an arrangement for a lesser sentence. Congress spokesperson Randeep Surjewala, said he will not comment on hearsay and will speak only when CBI comes up with an official statement.

The judgment of the appeal court in Milan convicting AgustaWestland chopper company chief Giuseppe Orsi described how the firm paid bribes to certain Congress leaders in India and lobbied with them to bag the defence deal. Reproducing the handwritten notes seized from middlemen, the judgment said that the political leaders accepted the commission of 15 to 16 million Euros (around Rs 120 to 125 crore) in the controversial purchase of 12 VVIP chopper deal.