The French government took a big decision to inquire against the corruption in Rafale deal with India. The alleged corruption in the Rafale deal with India is of nearly Rs59,000 crore. The French government appointed a judge to investigate into the matter.
Meanwhile, Congress Chief Spokesperson, Randeep Surejwala urged the Prime Minister Narendra Modi to initiate a Joint Parliamentary Committee. Furthermore, this JPC should inquire into the Rafale deal.
According to a French online journal ‘Mediapart’, the “highly sensitive investigation into the 2016 inter-government deal was formally launched on 14 June”
Mediapart, the French website published several reports in April 2021, citing alleged irregularities in the Rafale deal. In one of the reports, Mediapart claimed that the Illene Howlett, former Head of the Financial Crimes Wing of France’s public Prosecution Services, halted an investigation.
However, this investigation was halted into alleged evidence of corruption in the Rafale jet deal despite objections from allies. Howett justified his decision saying that it was in the interests of France and the functioning of the institutions.
The inquiry will be held surrounding the three people – Former President Francois Hollande, current French President Emmanuel Macron and Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drain.
The Government of India signed a deal to buy 36 Rafale Fighter aircraft from France. However, India got a dozen out of the 36 air crafts. It will be available by 2022. There was a big hue and cry in India too when this deal was done.
The corruption charges were leveled against the present government by the Congress leaders before the Lok Sabha elections.
