The Central Bureau of Investigation said it had registered a criminal case under India's anti-corruption laws and named Italian defence company Finmeccanica, and its Anglo-Italian subsidiary AgustaWestland as targets of its probe.
It said in a statement that a total of four firms and 12 individuals, including former Indian air force Chief SP Tyagi, were being investigated. Searches were under way at 14 locations.
AgustaWestland has denied paying bribes in a $750 million deal to supply 12 helicopters for Indian political leaders.
Italian police have arrested the head of Finmeccanica, Giuseppe Orsi, in connection with the case.
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