Defence Minister A K Antony on Monday said some people seems to have taken bribes in India's Rs 3,700 crore VVIP helicopter deal with Italian company Augusta Westland and asserted that the guilty would be punished.



Addressing media after a reception to INS Sudarshani at Naval headquarters, Kochi, Antony said, "I have a feeling that somebody has taken money in the helicopter deal. CBI investigations in the issue are in a crucial stage now and I don't want to comment more on it."



Expressing the resolve of the government to bring to book those who are guilty in the deal, Antony said, "We will not show mercy to anybody who has taken money, however big he is."

Timeline of the chopper deal



Those who acted against the interests of the nation would not be allowed to escape, he said.



Answering questions on the frequent allegations related to defence sector deals, Antony said the defence procurement policy is being revised and a new policy is on the anvil.



The new policy will come into existence in a few months, said Antony. Answering questions on raising FDI limit in defence sector from 26 per cent to 75 per cent, Antony said indigenisation in defence equipment production is being actively pursued. However, he added that the government would not go for privatisation in defence production hastily.



On the issue of alleged atrocities against Tamil Citizens of Sri Lanka, Antony said India has already expressed solidarity with the cause of Sri Lankan Tamils.

