Wednesday, April 6 2005 19:37 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

New Delhi: The CBI (Central Bureau of Investigation) today (Apr 6, 2005) said it was looking into allegations of corruption relating to five cases of acquisition of defence equipment during the Kargil conflict when George Fernandes was the Defence Minister.

"We are verifying the information forwarded to us by the Defence Ministry but no case had been filed so far," CBI Director U S Misra told reporters when asked about the status of the investigation in the purchase of arms and ammunition.

Asked whether the agency had found anything substantial so far during its enquiry, he said, "As of now, I can only say that investigations are on."

The Defence Ministry had in the Supreme Court yesterday (Apr 5, 2005) filed a counter-affidavit in which it had said that there was no violation of the financial rules of the Government or the Defence Procurement Procedures, 1992 when procedures were modified to make urgent purchases of arms and equipment during the Kargil conflict.

However, on the nature and actual delivery of items, the Government said in the affidavit that the Comptroller and Auditor General had made valid points on certain purchases which had been duly noted and action was being taken on them.

The Ministry was making efforts to address issues raised in the CAG report.