Click to play videoNew Delhi: Two days after CNN-IBN exposed faulty trials of bulletproof jackets at a Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) lab, Joint Director in charge of the trials RK Verma was called from Chandigarh to Delhi and questioned.
The team included officials of the Intelligence Bureau and the CRPF, which was to have used 20,000 of the bulletproof jackets.
According to sources associated with the probe, the DRDO officer is being asked to explain the discrepancies CNN-IBN highlighted in its report.
Verma is also being grilled about an audio CD in which he allegedly accepted that he fudged the trials and attempted to compromise the second and final stage of the Rs 120-crore tender. In the CD, the DRDO official also allegedly claimed to enjoy political patronage.
The tender is currently on hold. A final decision on this matter will be taken by the Home Minister once the technical evaluation committee submits its report to the tender appraisal committee, which is headed by the CRPF's top boss.
Sources say the episode is being seen at the highest level as it has implications for India's national security. Verma is likely to undergo detailed and prolonged questioning and face disciplinary action.
Meanwhile, DRDO has been asked to clean up its act and the tainted ballistic trials could be held again.
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