Defence Ministry Officer Arrested in Bribery Scandal

In a significant development, a lieutenant colonel from the defence ministry and a private individual have been arrested on charges of bribery. The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has alleged that the officer was involved in corrupt practices, accepting bribes in exchange for providing undue advantages to private companies. The case has drawn attention due to the involvement of multiple parties, including a Dubai-based firm. Both suspects are currently in police custody as investigations continue. This incident raises serious concerns about corruption within the defence sector and the integrity of public officials.

By Narendra Chaudhary Dec 21, 2025, 10:10 IST

Bribery Allegations Lead to Arrests

On Saturday, authorities apprehended a lieutenant colonel from the defence ministry along with another individual in connection with bribery allegations.

The arrested individuals are Lieutenant Colonel Deepak Kumar Sharma, who serves as a Deputy Planning Officer in the Department of Defence Productions, and a private citizen named Vinod Kumar.

The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) initiated a case on Friday after receiving credible information regarding Sharma, his spouse Colonel Kajal Bali—who commands the 16 Infantry Division Ordnance Unit in Sri Ganganagar, Rajasthan—and several others, including representatives from a Dubai-based firm.

According to the CBI, Kumar allegedly paid a bribe of Rs 3 lakh to Sharma on December 18 at the request of the company. The agency noted that two individuals from Bengaluru, Rajiv Yadav and Ravjit Singh, were managing the company's operations in India.

The CBI claims that Yadav and Singh maintained regular communication with Sharma and, in collusion with him, sought various illegal advantages for their company from multiple government departments and ministries.

The CBI's press release stated that Lt. Col. Sharma has been involved in corrupt practices and illegal activities in collaboration with representatives from various private companies engaged in defence manufacturing and exports, receiving bribes in exchange for providing them with undue advantages.

Both Sharma and Kumar were presented in court on Saturday and have been placed in police custody until December 23.