The letter that reveals references to 'Italian lady' in the VVIP Chopper Scam case

Michel has identified how Hindustan Aeronautics Limited was removed from the deal which was then offered to TATA instead, the law enforcement agency told the Court.

New Delhi: The AgustaWestland VVIP chopper scam took a fresh turn after key accused and middleman Christian Michel named 'Mrs Gandhi' and 'son of the Italian lady' while in custody on December 29. However, Times Now accessed the letter that contained the statements that legitimise them.

In the letter addressed to Giuseppe Orsi, the Chief Executive Officer of Finmeccanica, dated 1 October 2009, there is a mention of a 'meeting at the beginning of the week with regards to the Italian lady's son'.

There is also a sense of urgency that comes from the following statement that reads "the gentleman I met knew about your activity and felt we were well placed. I explained that this was well known but that we could not wait longer".

What raises the eyebrows are the parts where it is hinted at 'son' and 'next prime minister'. "The gentleman confirmed that the son will be the next prime minister and his power in the party is growing dad by day. Hence, the finance minister's extreme anxiety at the son's phenomenal rise... The son will be asked this weekend to raise this matter with his mother as the mother is certainly not aware of the facts," the document read.

The letter gets even more explosive when there is a mention of a Cabinet Committee on Security meeting with regards to the deal. "We fully expect CCS to take place mid-October. All the damage finance did has been resolved as in July end, once again we are ready to go," it said.

Michel has identified how Hindustan Aeronautics Limited was removed from the deal which was then offered to Tata instead, the law enforcement agency told the Court.

Michel, one of the three key middlemen who is believed to have brokered the deal between AgustaWestland and the Indian Air Force (IAF) in the Rs 3,600 crore AgustaWestland VVIP chopper deal, was extradited to India on December 4. The United Arab Emirates passed an administrative decision, clearing the path to Michel's extradition. The process was monitored by National Security Adviser Ajit Doval. 

On 1 January 2014, India cancelled the contract to purchase 12 AW-101 VVIP choppers which were meant to ferry the President, Prime Minister and other VVIPs for the IAF after Orsi was arrested by Italian authorities. The firm had offered kickbacks to the tune of Rs 423 crores. Three of the purchased choppers still stand 'mothballed' and unused

It has been alleged that the ceiling height, which was a decisive factor in qualifying for the VVIP deal tender, was altered to ensure the entry of AgustaWestland. The Indian investigating agencies have accused Michel of receiving kickbacks worth EUR 30 million from AgustaWestland.

Last year, the Interpol had issued a red corner notice (RCN) against Michel on CBI's request. RCNs were also issued against two Italians involved in the case - Carlo Gerosa and Haschke. According to Indian investigative agencies, Michel had received kickbacks to the tune of around Rs 235 crore for ensuring that the chopper contract went to AgustaWestland.