The CPI(M) on March 28 demanded a CBI inquiry into the Rs 10,000-crore missile production agreement entered into by the Defence Ministry with Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI), alleging involvement of massive kickbacks in the deal. Incidentally, the CPI(M) had accused the Government of using the CBI as a political tool when the agency named its Kerala secretary Pinarayi Vijayan as an accused in the SNC-Lavalin case and when it chargesheeted a CPI(M) leader in the Tapasi Malik murder case in Singur, a national daily reported.
Pointing out that the IAI is already under the investigation of the CBI in connection with the Barak missile deal, the CPI(M) asked the Government to explain why the Israeli firm was not embargoed from further supplies till that case was disposed of. The party had earlier shot off letters to the Prime Minister and Defence Minister alleging irregularities in the deal.