Did CBI Arrest an Army Officer Couple and a Private Individual in a Defence Bribery Case?
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Synopsis
In a shocking turn of events, the CBI has arrested an Army officer along with a private individual for alleged bribery in the defence sector. This case unveils a web of corruption involving high-ranking officials and private firms. Stay tuned as we delve deeper into the details of this unfolding scandal.
Key Takeaways
- CBI arrests Army officer and private individual in bribery case.
- Allegations involve corruption in defence production.
- Cash amount of Rs 3 lakh seized by CBI.
- Further investigations are ongoing.
- Integrity of armed forces is under scrutiny.
New Delhi, Dec 20 (NationPress) The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has apprehended a currently serving Army officer along with a private person in relation to a bribery scandal linked to alleged corruption within the defence production and export sector, according to the agency's announcement.
The officer in question is identified as Lt Col Deepak Kumar Sharma, who serves as the Deputy Planning Officer for International Cooperation and Exports in the Department of Defence Production, part of the Ministry of Defence.
A private individual, Vinod Kumar, was also detained for allegedly facilitating the bribe.
The CBI reports that the case was initiated on December 19, following reliable source information.
It is claimed that Lt Col Sharma was regularly engaging in corrupt and illegal practices in collusion with representatives from private firms involved in defence manufacturing and exports.
In return for improper advantages from various government departments and ministries, he is said to have accepted illegal payments.
The FIR also implicates Lt Col Sharma’s wife, Col Kajal Bali, who is presently the Commanding Officer of the 16 Infantry Division Ordnance Unit based in Sri Ganganagar, Rajasthan, along with other suspects, including an entity based in Dubai.
The agency maintains that Rajiv Yadav and Ravjit Singh were overseeing the Indian operations of the aforementioned company from Bengaluru and were frequently communicating with Lt Col Sharma to secure favours through illicit means.
Investigators allege that Vinod Kumar transferred a bribe of Rs 3 lakh to Lt Col Sharma on December 18 on behalf of the company.
During searches at various locations, including Delhi, Sri Ganganagar, Bengaluru, and Jammu, the CBI seized the alleged bribe amount of Rs 3 lakh from Lt Col Sharma’s residence in Delhi.
The CBI’s press release stated, "In searches conducted at Lt. Col. Deepak Kumar Sharma’s residence in Delhi, Rs. 3 Lakh along with cash amounts of Rs 2,23,000 and Rs 10,00,000 from another accused’s home in Sri Ganganagar, as well as other incriminating evidence, were confiscated."
"Furthermore, searches at Lt. Col. Deepak Kumar Sharma’s office in New Delhi are still ongoing," it added.
Both individuals were presented before a court on Saturday and have been ordered into police custody until December 23.
The CBI has stated that further investigations are ongoing.
Point of View
It is crucial to approach this matter with a commitment to transparency and accountability. The allegations against high-ranking officials in a critical sector such as defence raise significant concerns. The integrity of our armed forces must be upheld, and any misconduct should be thoroughly investigated to restore public trust. We stand with the nation in demanding justice and integrity in our institutions.
NationPress
21/12/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was arrested by the CBI?
The CBI arrested Lt Col Deepak Kumar Sharma, a serving Army officer, and a private individual named Vinod Kumar.
What was the nature of the bribery case?
The case involves alleged corruption in the defence production and export sector, with accusations of accepting illegal gratification for government favours.
What amount was involved in the bribery?
The CBI claims that a bribe of Rs 3 lakh was delivered to Lt Col Sharma.
What further actions are being taken by the CBI?
The CBI is continuing its investigation, including ongoing searches at various locations related to the case.
Is there anyone else involved in this case?
Yes, Lt Col Sharma's wife, Col Kajal Bali, and representatives of a Dubai-based company are also implicated.
