Govt. suspends BEML Chief VRS Natarajan

The defence ministry Monday, on a recommendation from the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), the federal investigating agency that is currently investigating the Tatra military trucks supply deal, has suspended public sector undertaking Bharat Earth Movers Ltd. (BEML) chairman V R S Natarajan from his post in the connection of same case as BEML had supplied the alleged substandard Tatra Trucks to the military.

"The government has put BEML CMD V R S Natarajan under suspension following a recommendation by the CBI that he should be kept away from the post to ensure fair investigation," defence ministry spokesperson Sitanshu Kar said here.

Commenting upon defence ministry's order Natarajan said, "I respect the decision of the Government. I will come out clean in the case."

The charge of CMD has been given to P. Dwarkanath, the senior most functional director in BEML.

The CBI is currently investigating various charges against Natarajan, particularly after former army chief Gen. V K Singh openly alleged that an attempt was made to bribe him to clear a supply order for Tatra trucks from BEML.

The move comes a few days after the Defence Ministry issued a show cause notice to the BEML Chief for slapping a defamation notice on Gen V K Singh without its permission.

--With Agencies Inputs--