Even as the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) is still investigating the controversial Tatra truck deal, public sector unit Bharat Earth Movers Ltd. (BEML) has placed order for more Tatra trucks.

On March 30, the CBI had registered an FIR against UK-based Vectra Group Chairman Ravinder Kumar Rishi, his firm, and also named some defence department officials as accused in the multi-crore Tatra scam.

But, a copy of BEML's order for additional Tatra trucks showed that the India public sector unit agreed to purchase the vehicles at a rate of _88,000 (around Rs 59.6 lakh) per truck.

The copy of the order for additional Tatra trucks was revealed by Rishi's counsel Mukul Rohatgi in the Supreme Court of India. Rohatgi pointed to the dichotomy, and mocked the investigating agency's attempt to brand Rishi as an offender.

Rohatgi argued that if the investigating agency believed Rishi to be an offender in the case then why a government unit placed more orders with Rishi's company.

However, Justice Altamas Kabir declined to interfere with the central agency's manner of probe at this stage and pointed out that Rishi hadn't even approached the CBI trial court.

Expressing reluctance to interfere with the CBI's manner of probe, "Why should we interfere at this stage? If you apprehend arrest, you should move the trial court first."

Rishi's counsel had filed a petition seeking permission for the UK-based businessman to moving to the UK for treatment of some medical ailments.