In a major development in the Agustawestland investigations in Italy, it has now been confirmed that an Italian judge has approved plea-bargaining between middleman Guido Ralph Haschke and Italian prosecutors.

This makes Haschke an approver in the case, who will be co-operating with investigations. It is the first sentence handed down in the AgustaWestland scandal that has rocked the Indian government, imprisoned Italian businessmen and raised questions in the United Kingdom about how and who negotiated and concluded the deal. 

India's Central Board of Investigation (CBI) said it was not aware of this development in Italy on April 14th, 2014. "I have not heard from official channels '" and in any case it has nothing to do with us,' Ranjit Sinha, Director CBI told The News Minute (TNM) over the telephone on Friday.

"It is a matter between the government of Italy and one of their citizens '" if necessary we will implead ourselves in the case,' India's top sleuth added. Ranjit Sinha said India was investigating other aspects if the helicopter deal, but did not elaborate. When pressed for an answer, as bribes were paid to Indian officials, Sinha said he will be speaking to the concerned persons when necessary. 

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