India gives consular access to Christain Michel

New Delhi: India has granted Britain consular access to its national — alleged middleman Christian Michel who was extradited earlier by the United Arab Emirates (UAE) to India in the Rs 3,546 crore AgustaWestland VVIP chopper deal case. Britain had earlier sought consular access following which New Delhi agreed to the request and arranged the access.

The MEA spokesperson said that India had “granted consular access” and that an official of the British high commission had met Michel on Thursday.

The controversial defence deal with Italian-owned UK-based company Agus-taWestland for the procurement of 12 AW-101 helicopters for VVIP use that was inked by

India in February 2010 was cancelled by the previous UPA-2 government in Januar, 2014 on the grounds that Agusta had violated the integrity pact and agreement.

The deal had become controversial in February, 2012, after allegations surfaced in Italy that kickbacks had been paid to clinch it but Agusta had denied the allegations.

The extradition was carried out after the Dubai Government passed an order to extradite  Michel to India where he is reportedly wanted on charges of alleged money laundering, bribery and fraud in connection with the cancelled deal.