Former Air Chief SP Tyagi, who has denied any role in the AgustaWestland chopper scam, met officials of the company in Italy while in office and also enjoyed an evening at the opera, an Italian court judgement has revealed.

During one of those trips, Air Marshal Tyagi, referred to as "Shashi Tyagi" and "Marshall Tyagi" in  the documents attached to the Italian Court of Appeals, visited the world famous Teotro Alla Scala Opera in Milan, allegedly at Agusta's expense, a top official of the helicopter maker said in court.

The former air chief has denied allegations that he tailored specifications to help Agusta win the 3,600 crore deal to supply a dozen choppers to India for use by top leaders including the prime minister. Agusta and its Italy-based parent company Finmeccanica were allegedly in touch with his cousins, who are named among Indians who received kickbacks.

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Pic: The Teatro alla Scala in Milan where the former air chief allegedly watched an opera paid for by Agusta officials