India’s ex-defense minister George Fernandes denies charge of bribe-taking in Barak missile deal with Israel

He accused Congress leader Sonia Ghandi of being behind the charge leveled by India’s investigation agency, CBI, that in 2000 he approved the purchase of the anti-missile defense system from Israel for $450,000. The money was allegedly paid to the president of his Samata Party, Jaya Jaitley. The ex-head of naval staff, retired Admiral Sushil Kumar is also accused.
All three deny the allegations. “The deal was approved before I came to power,” said Fernandes.”I took the advise of the present President and the then Advisor to the Prime Minister A P J Abdul Kalam. “On his (Kalam`s) clearance it was done. He said the navy needed it.”