Congress rakes up Rafale deal once more after French media claims of 1.1 million Euros ‘commission’

The Congress Monday sought a radical probe within the Rafale defence deal and demanded solutions from Prime Minister Narendra Modi, after a French media report claimed that 1.1 million Euros was paid to a “middleman” by the plane producer.
Chief Congress spokesperson Randeep Surjewala instructed a press convention right here that the French information portal’s report has proved that Rahul Gandhi’s oft-repeated allegations of corruption within the deal have been appropriate.
While there was no fast response from the BJP or the federal government on the costs, they’ve prior to now denied any irregularities within the nation’s greatest defence deal.
Surjewala stated as per the French portal’s report, an investigation performed by the French Anti-Corruption Agency (AFA) has revealed that after signing of the deal in 2016, Rafale’s producer Dassault allegedly paid 1.1 million Euros to a intermediary — Defsys Solutions — which is an Indian firm.

“Does it now not require a full and independent investigation into India’s biggest defence deal to find out as to how much bribery and commission in reality, if any, was paid and to whom in the Indian government?” he requested. “Will Prime Minister Narendra Modi answer to the nation now?” he requested.
Surjewala stated this quantity was proven as expenditure by Dassault as “gifts to clients”.

The allegations of inflicting Loss to Public Exchequer, Bribery & Payment of Commission in India’s greatest Defence Deal, i.e. Purchase of 36 Rafale Jet Fighters from Dassault Aviation as soon as once more stare within the Face of Modi Government!
Our Statement-: pic.twitter.com/lzjV471TnE
— Randeep Singh Surjewala (@rssurjewala) April 5, 2021
The Congress chief stated that the Defence Procurement Procedure (DPP) as additionally the said Indian authorities coverage envisage there will likely be an “Integrity Clause” in each defence buy contract which clearly states that there may be no intermediary or fee of fee or bribe.
Surjewala stated that as per the DPP, any proof of intermediary or fee or bribery has critical penal penalties together with the banning of the provider, cancellation of contract, registration of an FIR and imposition of heavy monetary penalties on the corporate.
“Has it not vitiated the Rafale deal? It must entail imposition of heavy financial penalties on Dassault, banning of the company, registration of an FIR and other penal consequences,” he stated.
He requested whether or not the fee of 1.1 million Euros proven by Dassault as “Gifts to Clients” is in actuality a fee paid to the intermediary for the Rafale deal.
“How can middlemen and payment of commission be permitted in a government-to-government defence contract or in any defence procurement in India? It is in violation of the mandatory Defence Procurement Procedure,” he stated.