The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) on Friday summoned Tata Trusts managing trustee R Venkataramanan on July 3 over allegations of manipulating government policies through corrupt means to get international licence for AirAsia India.

Yesterday, AirAsia Chief Financial Officer Deepak Mahindra was quizzed by the agency in New Delhi.

AirAsia India, is a joint venture between Malaysia-headquartered AirAsia Berhad and Tata Sons, holding company of diversified Tata Group.

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Tata Trusts boss Venkataramanan blames Cyrus Mistry, says CBI probe is revenge legal action

Tata Sons and AirAsia own 49% each while 1.5% is held by Venkataramanan and the rest by the airline chairman S Ramadorai.

Earlier, a combined meeting of the trustees of Tata Trusts "reaffirmed their complete trust and continued support to Venkataramanan under whose executive leadership as Managing Trustee, the Tata Trusts have done, and are continuing to do, outstanding work across India."

In a statement, Tata Trusts said its trustees also expressed concern over "inaccurate and mischievous reports" giving an impression that its offices were raided by investigating authorities, "which did not take place".

The office of Venkataramanan, in his capacity as a non-executive director and a nominee of Tata Sons on the Board of Air Asia India Ltd, in the trust office premises, was visited by the authorities and clarifications sought on some papers relating to Air Asia India, some of which were taken by the authorities, Tata Trusts said.

Last month, the CBI had registered a case against AirAsia Group CEO Tony Fernandes, Venkataramanan and other officials for allegedly trying to manipulate government policies through corrupt means to get international licence.

Also read: AirAsia Berhad refutes CBI charges, backs Fernandes, blames Chandilya

The investigating agency has alleged that Venkataramanan was lobbying in the government to secure mandatory approvals, some of them through "non-transparent means", including the then Foreign Investment Promotion Board (FIPB) clearance, no-objection certificate and the attempt for removal or modification of 5/20 rule.

The norm -- which required local airlines to be in operation for at least five years and a minimum fleet of 20 planes in order to start overseas operations -- was done away with in 2016. Now, only the fleet requirement of 20 aircraft is in force, making it easier for new players such as AirAsia India and Vistara to commence international flights.

First Published:Jun 29, 2018 6:00 PM IST