CBI Arrests Lieutenant Colonel for Alleged Bribery in Defense Ministry

The Central Bureau of Investigation has arrested Lieutenant Colonel Deepak Kumar Sharma for allegedly accepting a bribe of three lakh rupees from a Bengaluru-based company. During the investigation, the CBI seized over 2.23 crore rupees in cash from Sharma's premises. The case also involves his wife, Colonel Kajal Bali, and associates who are accused of colluding to gain illegal advantages in defense contracts. Both Sharma and an accomplice, Vinod Kumar, have been remanded to custody as the investigation continues. Discover the details of this significant corruption case in the defense sector.

By Narendra Chaudhary Dec 21, 2025, 08:30 IST

Lieutenant Colonel Arrested for Bribery Charges

On Saturday, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) apprehended Lieutenant Colonel Deepak Kumar Sharma, who is stationed in the Department of Defence Production under the Ministry of Defence, for allegedly accepting a bribe of three lakh rupees from a company based in Bengaluru.

During a search of Sharma's premises, officials reported that the CBI seized cash amounting to 2.23 crore rupees. A case was registered against Sharma, who serves as the Deputy Director of International Cooperation and Export in the Defence Production Department, and his wife, Colonel Kajal Bali.

Colonel Bali is currently the commanding officer of the 16 Infantry Division Ordnance Unit (DOU) located in Sri Ganganagar, Rajasthan. According to a statement from a CBI spokesperson, Sharma is accused of being involved in a criminal conspiracy with representatives from various private companies related to the manufacturing and export of defense products, engaging in 'continuous corrupt and illegal activities.'

The CBI claims that Sharma accepted bribes in exchange for providing undue advantages to these companies. They received information regarding a potential bribe payment from a Bengaluru-based company, with Rajiv Yadav and Ravjeet Singh overseeing the company's operations.

The spokesperson further stated, 'Singh and Yadav were in regular contact with Lieutenant Colonel Deepak Kumar Sharma and were obtaining illegal benefits for their company from various government departments and ministries with his collusion. Vinod Kumar allegedly paid Sharma three lakh rupees as a bribe on December 18, 2025.' The statement also mentioned that Vinod Kumar has been arrested in connection with this case.

During the search of Sharma's premises, the CBI confiscated 2.23 crore rupees in cash from his residence in Delhi, along with the three lakh rupees in bribe money, while an additional ten lakh rupees were seized from his wife's residence in Sri Ganganagar. Both accused, Sharma and Vinod Kumar, were presented before a special court, which remanded them to CBI custody until December 23.