CBI files compliant to probe IA-AI merger which led to losses worth crores

IMAGE: PTI

New Delhi: CBI registered three FIRs on Monday along with a preliminary inquiry to scrutinise alleged irregularities in Indian Airlines-Air India merger and purchase of 111 aircraft, leasing of planes and giving up of  profit making routes by Air India, which  generated a loss of thousands of crore of rupees. “The FIRs have been registered for offences of criminal conspiracy and corruption against unidentified officials of the civil aviation ministry and Air India”, CBI spokesperson RK Gaur told media. He also added that the cases relate to decisions taken by the ministry during the tenure of the UPA causing a loss of ‘tens of thousands of crore’ of rupees to the exchequer. “A preliminary inquiry was registered to probe the merger of Indian Airlines and Air India that also led to a loss of ‘tens of thousands of crore’ of rupees”, Gaur said. The spokesperson also confirmed that a set of three FIRs has been lodged to probe alleged irregularities in the purchase of 111 aircraft, leasing of planes while acquisition process was still on, and giving up of profitable routes in favour of national and international airlines by Air India.