CBI Cites Arnab’s Explosive Interview in Fresh Bofors Probe, Seeks US Assistance

New Delhi: In a big development in the decades-old Bofors bribery case, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has formally approached the United States for assistance, citing an explosive interview conducted by Republic Media Network’s Editor-in-Chief, Arnab Goswami. The agency’s Letter Rogatory (LR) seeks crucial information from Michael Hershman, the head of the Fairfax Group, who played a key role in investigating the case.

Republic Impact: How Arnab’s Interview Reignited the Bofors Probe

The CBI’s renewed push for evidence stems from a hard-hitting interview that Arnab Goswami conducted with Michael Hershman in 2017. During this exclusive conversation, Hershman made stunning revelations about the Bofors scandal, including allegations of political interference in the probe and a Swiss bank account named ‘Mont Blanc’ where the bribe money was allegedly deposited.

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Hershman claimed that then-Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi was “furious” upon learning about the existence of this account, which reportedly contained funds linked to the Bofors deal. He further alleged that powerful forces within the Indian establishment actively attempted to sabotage his investigation and prevent the truth from emerging.

Arnab’s headline setting interview exposed details that had been buried for decades, prompting the CBI to revisit Hershman’s claims and push for international cooperation to obtain crucial evidence.

CBI’s Efforts to Gather Evidence

Following the revelations in the Republic interview, the CBI intensified its pursuit of Hershman’s testimony and supporting documents. The agency has repeatedly reached out to US authorities between November 2023 and August 2024, but progress has been slow. With no substantial breakthrough, the CBI informed a Delhi court in October 2024 that it would formally escalate the matter through judicial channels.

Hershman, on his part, has recently reiterated his willingness to cooperate with Indian investigators, further strengthening the CBI’s resolve to seek his statement and related documents. The agency believes that his evidence could be pivotal in shedding light on the bribery trail and the alleged involvement of Indian politicians and defense officials in the Bofors deal.

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Bofors Scandal: A Political Storm That Never Settled

The Bofors case dates back to 1987, when a Swedish radio channel first exposed that the Swedish arms manufacturer had paid bribes to Indian politicians and defense officials to secure a Rs 1,437 crore contract for 400 Howitzer guns. The scandal rocked the Rajiv Gandhi government, triggering political turmoil and investigations that have continued for nearly four decades.

The CBI registered a case in 1990, filing chargesheets in 1999 and 2000. However, the case encountered multiple legal setbacks. The Delhi High Court exonerated Rajiv Gandhi in 2004, stating that there was no sufficient evidence linking him to the alleged bribes. In 2005, the court also dismissed charges against other accused parties, including middleman Ottavio Quattrocchi and the Bofors company, citing lack of proof.

What Lies Ahead?

The CBI’s latest effort to secure Hershman’s testimony, backed by Arnab Goswami’s explosive interview, shows a renewed push to resolve the case. If Hershman shares key documents or testimony supporting his claims, it could revive legal action against those involved in the bribery allegations.  

As the probe moves forward, the revelations made on Republic Media Network could prove instrumental in finally uncovering the complete truth behind one of India’s most infamous defence scandals. The Bofors controversy, which has long been a symbol of political and corporate corruption, continues to cast a shadow over Indian affairs, with fresh investigations once again bringing it into the spotlight.