Did CBI Arrest an Army Officer and a Private Individual in a Defence Bribery Case?
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Synopsis
The CBI's recent arrests of an Army officer and a civilian in a defence bribery case have raised serious concerns about corruption in India's defence sector. This shocking revelation highlights the ongoing issues of integrity within the government and military. Stay tuned as the investigation unfolds.
Key Takeaways
- CBI arrests Army officer and private individual.
- Case involves defence sector corruption.
- Investigation ongoing across multiple locations.
- Bribe amount of Rs 3 lakh identified.
- Further inquiries are underway.
New Delhi, Dec 20 (NationPress) The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) made significant arrests on Saturday, apprehending a currently serving Army officer and a civilian in relation to a bribery investigation tied to alleged corruption within the defence production and export sectors, as per the agency's announcement.
The officer detained has been named as Lt Col Deepak Kumar Sharma, who serves as the Deputy Planning Officer for International Cooperation and Exports in the Ministry of Defence's Department of Defence Production.
Also arrested was a civilian, Vinod Kumar, suspected of acting as a middleman for the bribe.
The CBI initiated the case on December 19, following credible source information.
According to the agency, Lt Col Sharma has been reportedly involved in ongoing corrupt practices, conspiring with representatives from private firms engaged in defence manufacturing and exports.
In return for undue advantages from various governmental departments and ministries, he is accused of accepting illegal payments.
The FIR additionally implicates Lt Col Sharma’s spouse, Col Kajal Bali, who currently commands the 16 Infantry Division Ordnance Unit in Sri Ganganagar, Rajasthan, as well as other suspects, including a company based in Dubai.
The CBI has claimed that Rajiv Yadav and Ravjit Singh were overseeing the company's Indian operations from Bengaluru and maintained regular communication with Lt Col Sharma to obtain favors through unlawful means.
Investigators assert that Vinod Kumar delivered a bribe of Rs 3 lakh to Lt Col Sharma on December 18 on behalf of the company.
During searches conducted at numerous locations, including Delhi, Sri Ganganagar, Bengaluru, and Jammu, the CBI confiscated the alleged bribe amount of Rs 3 lakh from Lt Col Sharma’s residence in Delhi.
"During searches at the residence of Lt. Col. Deepak Kumar Sharma in Delhi, the bribe amount of Rs. 3 Lakh alongside cash totaling Rs 2,23,000 and Rs 10,00,000 from the residence of the accused in Sri Ganganagar, in addition to other incriminating evidence, has been seized," the CBI noted in its press release.
"Investigations at the office premises of Lt. Col. Deepak Kumar Sharma in New Delhi are also ongoing," it added.
Both individuals were presented in court on Saturday and have been remanded to police custody until December 23.
Further inquiries are in progress, according to the CBI.
Point of View
The recent CBI arrests of an Army officer and a civilian highlight a troubling trend of corruption within India's defence sector. As stewards of national security, we must demand accountability and transparency to uphold integrity in our armed forces and safeguard public trust.
NationPress
23/12/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was arrested by the CBI?
The CBI arrested Lt Col Deepak Kumar Sharma, a serving Army officer, and Vinod Kumar, a private individual.
What was the nature of the bribery case?
The case involves alleged corruption in the defence production and export sectors.
What amount of bribe was involved?
The bribe amount alleged is Rs 3 lakh.
Which other individuals are implicated in the case?
Lt Col Sharma's wife, Col Kajal Bali, and representatives of a Dubai-based company are also implicated.
What actions are being taken by the CBI?
The CBI is conducting ongoing investigations and searches at multiple locations.
