Court allows Saxena's plea to become approver in Agusta-Westland case

New Delhi: Patiala House court on Monday allowed the plea of Rajiv Saxena who had recently moved an application to turn “approver” in Agusta-Westland money laundering case.

On February 27, Saxena had moved an application before the Special CBI Judge Arvind Kumar to become an approver in the case.

Saxena had told the court that he was not under any pressure and that no assurance was given to him, neither any sought from him.

The court, on March 6, recorded the statement of Saxena in connection with the plea.

Saxena, a co-accused in the case, recorded his statement before Additional Chief Metropolitan Magistrate (ACMM) Samar Vishal during an in-chamber hearing under Section 306 of the Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC).

On March 14, the Enforcement Directorate (ED), which is probing the matter, filed a reply supporting the plea of Saxena to become an approver.

"He will be very useful. That is why we are supporting his plea," said ED in the court.

The ED is being represented by Special Public Prosecutor DP Singh and advocate Naveen Matta, while senior advocate Geeta Luthra and advocate Shivani Luthra are defending Saxena.

Dubai-based businessman was extradited to India on January 31 in connection with the Rs 3,600 crore deal for the purchase of 12 VVIP helicopters from AgustaWestland.

Saxena was allegedly operating a number of bank accounts in Switzerland in which huge amounts of money were deposited, according to a government dossier.