Indian investigative agencies have been putting “subtle pressure to get information against the Opposition”, claimed James Christian Michel, the middleman accused in the AgustaWestland scam. He said he was willing to appear before the Central Bureau of Investigation for questioning if the Red Corner Notice issued against him was withdrawn, adding other conditions, reported The Indian Express.

“Since November last year, the agencies are putting subtle pressure to reveal information against the opposition, you know who. I have never paid any bribe to the Gandhis, and it is incorrect to say that I know them,” Michel told the newspaper. He added that he was ready to come to India for questioning, provided that he was not incarcerated.

Michel, who lives in Dubai currently, has been accused of receiving kickbacks for the deal signed by the Defence Ministry with AgustaWestland for the purchase of 12 VVIP helicopters. The deal was signed during the Congress-led United Progressive Alliance rule. Michel has denied allegations of being involved in the scam.

In April, Italy’s Milan Court of Appeals had ruled that the company paid Michel Rs 330 crore to secure the contract. However, the Supreme Court of the country on Friday allowed Michel’s petition against the earlier verdict. “It was bound to happen,” he said. “The Milan court judgment was based on a closed door trial, in which evidence was misused. I am awaiting the details of the Supreme Court order allowing the appeal.”

On Saturday, former Indian Air Force chief SP Tyagi and two others were sent to judicial custody till December 30 in connection with the case. They were arrested on December 9 for allegedly accepting kickbacks to influence the deal. The CBI had said 12% of the Rs 3,767 crore deal was used to pay bribes.