In a significant development, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) arrested Lt Col Deepak Kumar Sharma, a Deputy Planning Officer in the Department of Defence Productions under the Ministry of Defence, along with Vinod Kumar, a private individual, on December 20. The arrests stem from allegations of bribery and criminal conspiracy related to defence-related clearances and undue favours.
The case was registered on December 19, based on reliable sources. Both accused are alleged to have served as conduits for bribe delivery. According to the CBI, Lt Col Sharma has been habitually engaging in corrupt practices, including accepting bribes from private defence companies in return for providing undue favours.
The CBI has further alleged that Lt Col Sharma was collaborating with representatives of a Dubai-based company, including Rajiv Yadav and Ravjit Singh, who operate from Bengaluru and manage the company's Indian operations.
The FIR also names Lt Col Sharma's wife, Col Kajal Bali, who serves as the Commanding Officer of the 16 Infantry Division Ordnance Unit at Sri Ganganagar in Rajasthan, as well as other unidentified individuals and the Dubai-based company. The charges include criminal conspiracy, corruption, and the acceptance of illegal gratification.
Investigators claim that Lt Col Sharma was routinely involved in corrupt activities, conspiring with representatives of private defence manufacturing and export companies to accept bribes in exchange for extending undue favours and facilitating benefits from various government departments and ministries.
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The agency stated that Rajiv Yadav and Ravjit Singh maintained regular contact with Lt Col Sharma, coordinating to obtain favourable outcomes for their company through illicit means. Specifically, on December 18, Vinod Kumar allegedly delivered a bribe amount of Rs 3 lakh to Lt Col Sharma on behalf of the company.
Subsequent searches conducted at Lt Col Sharma's residence in Delhi recovered significant cash, including Rs 2.23 crore, while searches at his wife's residence in Sri Ganganagar yielded Rs 10 lakh. The CBI also conducted raids at multiple locations, including Delhi, Sri Ganganagar, Bengaluru, and Jammu. Searches at his office premises in New Delhi continue.
Both accused were presented before a court on Saturday and remanded to police custody until December 23. The CBI has indicated through a press release that further investigation into the matter is ongoing.
Also Read: CBI nabs Bengal doctor in bribery case, ₹54 lakh seized
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