Delhi: The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has arrested a serving Army officer posted with the Ministry of Defence in connection with an alleged bribery and corruption case involving defence-related contracts. Lieutenant Colonel Deepak Kumar Sharma, currently serving in the Production wing of the ministry, was taken into custody after investigators accused him of accepting illegal gratification from a private firm.
According to officials, Sharma allegedly received ₹3 lakh as a bribe from a Bengaluru-based company linked to the manufacturing and export of defence equipment. During searches conducted at his residence, the agency recovered cash amounting to ₹2.36 crore, raising serious concerns over the scale of the alleged misconduct.
The investigation has also brought Sharma’s wife, Colonel Kajal Bali, under scrutiny. Colonel Bali, who is presently the Commanding Officer of the Division Ordnance Unit (DOU) in Sri Ganganagar, Rajasthan, has been named in the case. A search at her residence led to the seizure of ₹10 lakh in cash, officials confirmed.
In addition, the CBI arrested Vinod Kumar, identified as a middleman who allegedly facilitated the transaction between the Army officer and the private firm. Both Sharma and Kumar have been remanded to CBI custody until December 23.
The case was registered on December 19 following intelligence inputs suggesting that bribe payments were being arranged to secure undue advantages for certain private defence companies. Investigators believe Sharma conspired with individuals linked to these firms to influence official processes and extend favours.
The Bengaluru-based company at the centre of the probe was reportedly managed by Rajiv Yadav and Ravjeet Singh, who were overseeing its operations at the time the alleged bribe was paid. The CBI is now examining financial records and communication trails to determine the extent of the alleged conspiracy.
Officials said the investigation is ongoing and further arrests or recoveries cannot be ruled out as the agency continues to trace the money trail and identify all those involved in the case.
