KUALA LUMPUR (June 1): India’s Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has summoned AirAsia Group Bhd headhoncho Tan Sri Tony Fernandes to appear before the graft-buster agency on June 6, according to a report by the Times of India (TOI).
Citing two unnamed sources, TOI said the CBI had sent a notice to Fernandes via email.
According to the TOI today, the sources said CBI intends to question Fernandes regarding approval from Foreign Investment Promotion Board to invest in India, as well as his alleged efforts to get the ‘5/20’ rule of civil aviation policy changed so that AirAsia could start international operations.
“He is also accused of pressuring former AirAsia India Ltd (AAIL) chief executive officer Mittu Chandilya to pursue changes in regulatory policies for international aviation in India suitable to the company,” TOI said. “Officials refused to say whether Fernandes had replied to the CBI’s summons yet.”
“The agency is also likely to soon issue summons to Malaysia-based deputy group CEO of AirAsia Bo Lingam and AirAsia India director Venkatramanan Ramchandran,” the report added. FIPB and civil aviation ministry officials, who handled the AirAsia file in 2013-14, will also be called to CBI headquarters for questioning.
On Wednesday, AirAsia India Ltd said it refuted CBI’s accusation against Fernandes over an alleged violation of rules in seeking international flying permits.
“AAIL refutes any wrong-doing and is cooperating with all regulators and agencies to present the correct facts. We hope to bring early resolution to all such issues,” AAIL Director Shuva Mandal had said in a statement.
According to a report by the Press Trust of India, the CBI filed a case against Fernandes, accusing him of manipulating government policies through bribery and violating regulations to get an international licence for its Indian venture.
At 10.33am, AirAsia Group rose 1.30% or 4 sen to RM3.11 with 2.27 million shares done.
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