New Delhi, March 7 (PTI): The defence ministry has cautioned an officer for “accidentally dropping” a secret file related to a multi-billion dollar combat aircraft deal.

“A file relating to request by vendors regarding offsets was accidentally dropped by an officer in Asiad village where he was residing on December 21, 2010.… The officer responsible has been cautioned in writing,” defence minister A.K. Antony said.

Offsets are reinvestment policies related to military contracts.

The minister said the file did not contain any sensitive information and was recovered within half-an-hour.

“It contained requests of some companies with regard to offsets,” Antony said.

After the file was recovered from a roadside in the Khelgaon locality, the defence ministry and the Indian Air Force held separate inquiries.

Two IAS officials, including an additional secretary-rank officer, were under the scanner after the incident.

Six companies, including US firms Lockheed Martin and Boeing; Russian firm RSK’s MiG-35; Swedish firm Saab’s Gripen; European consortium’s Eurofighter Typhoon; and French firm Dassault’s Rafale are in the race for the $11-billion contract for 126 aircraft.