The Defence Ministry is seeking more details from the government over the alleged role of a Brigadier of the Indian Army in a helicopter deal.

There is indications that a serving Brigadier of the Indian Army had demanded a bribe of US $ five million from an Italian company in the deal. The Defence Ministry has said that it will take strong actions against anyone found guilty in the case.

During an ongoing trial in Italy against Finmeccanica in paying kickbacks to secure defence deals including a deal to supply 12 VVIP choppers in India, it was alleged that the Brigadier, who is posted at the Officers' Training Academy in Chennai. Finmeccanica is facing investigations after few arrests were made in the European country including some persons who are accused of acting as middlemen in the India deal.

The allegations were made by a official working at AgustaWestland, which is a unit of Finmeccanica, in a letter to his superiors in Italy expressing that the Brigadier is demanding US $ five million from the company to swing the opinion in the company's behavior. The letter has been submitted by the prosecutors in the case to the court.

"The Defence Ministry has asked the Italian government and concerned agencies through the External Affairs Ministry to provide the name and relevant documents relating to the alleged involvement of a Brigadier in the ongoing process for the acquisition of 197 helicopters for the Army. We will take strong action against offenders detected through this probe," Defence Ministry said in a release.