CBI Books Ex-Air India Chairman Arvind Jadhav in Corruption Case For Illegally Constituting Promotion Panel

They have been charged under IPC sections related to criminal conspiracy and the Prevention of Corruption Act.

New Delhi: The Central Bureau of Investigation has booked former Air India chairman and managing director Arvind Jadhav and some former senior officials in a corruption case, said officials on Wednesday. Along with Jadhav, the CBI has booked other officials of the national carrier such as Dr (Ms) L P Nakhwa (now retired), then general manager (medical services) and then additional general managers A Kathpalia, Amitabh Singh and Rohit Bhasin.

The officials have been charged under IPC sections related to criminal conspiracy and the Prevention of Corruption Act in connection with the alleged violation of norms while appointing general manager rank officers. Former CMD Jadhav was allegedly responsible for constituting an “illegal” promotion panel. The panel was formed to promoting select candidates to the post of general manager (operations) during the years 2009 and 2010. Five persons, including Arvind Kathpalia, Singh and Bhasin had so far been recommended by the promotion panel, stated officials.

CBI registers FIR against former Air India CMD Arvind Jadhav,for abusing his official position thereby granting undue favours&pecuniary advantage to Capt A Kathpalia(pilot who skipped BA Test),Capt Amitabh Singh,Capt Rohith Bhasin&LP Nakhwa, then GM (Medical Services) Air India.

— ANI (@ANI) January 23, 2019

In November 2018, Arvind Kathpalia was sacked as director of operations of Air India as he did not clear the pre-flight alcohol test, with the government citing “serious nature of the transgression and (his) failure to course correct”. The former Air India pilot Kathpalia was accused of violating aircraft rules and the criminal case against him was not properly investigated, said the Delhi High Court on January 22. The FIR against Kathpalia alleged that a pending case against him was given vigilance clearance.

Complaints against the others selected for the position namely Singh and Bhasin remained pending as well, said CBI. The agency added, “Jadhav…conspiracy with…Nakhwa had abused his official position in order to appoint her as a member of the promotion panel committee and giving promotion to her without following due process for promotion.”

(With Agency Inputs)