Click to play videoNew Delhi: The Government is all set to order a re-trial of bullet proof jackets to be used by our security forces. The action comes after a CNN-IBN expose on Tuesday on ballistic trials fudged at a Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) lab.
Besides recommending that DRDO take action against the scientist who fired the test shots, Director General (DG), CRPF AS Gill has also requested the Home Ministry to order fresh trials for shortlisting vendors who can supply 59,000 bullet proof jackets worth Rs 120 crore meant for use by 5 para-military forces.
The tough stand comes after the Ministry examined an audio recording which allegedly contains the voice of R K Verma, DRDO official who fired the test shots.
The recording was done by a disqualified vendor who subsequently lodged a malpractice complaint with the Ministry.
CRPF's top boss has confirmed that Verma admitted the voice was his when he was questioned by the technical evaluation committee.
On the tape, he's heard admitting that discrepancies existed during ballistic testing.
He says: "I am going to say before the technical committee that certain mistakes were made during the trials which were critical from the ballistic point of view and special operating procedures (SOP) norms were also not followed.I will also confirm that (we) didnt take cognisance of the angle of incidence and conducted some firing in the darkness."
He is also heard claiming the approved vendors have rigged the tender to jack up prices.
“They have rigged the prices, I know it. Tthey have increased the price around Rs 21,000 - 22,000. They have done it intentionally before the official opening of the price bids.”
However, while there appears to be some swift follow-up on allegations against Verma, the Ministry has been silent on the conduct of Verma's colleagues on the committee that oversaw the trials.
The seven member panel included officers from the Bureau of Police Research (BPR&D) and Development, which reports to the Home Ministry.
The technical evaluation committee is headed by the Chief of the BPR&D -- it also has a DIG level BPR&D officer who finds a mention in the audio recording. But so far, it is not clear whether the Ministry is examining, at the very least, negligence on their part.
The audio recording even contains Verma claiming to have political contacts in Delhi's Lieutant Governor's office.
"Today I have met Lieutenant Governor Tejinder Khanna personally in his chambers. He told me son - do not worry. I will take care. He made a few calls and asked me son - what do you want."
While the Home Ministry has dismissed these as unbelievable, the Lieutenant Governor ‘s office – furious at the alleged misuse of his name – has now asked Delhi Police to act against Verma for tarnishing his name.
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