CBI Arrests Defence Ministry Officer In Bribery Case, Reaffirms Govt’s Zero-Tolerance Policy On Corruption
The CBI’s action against a serving Defence Ministry officer underscores the government’s stated zero tolerance policy on corruption as investigators probe alleged bribery linked to defence related work.
India’s top anti-corruption agency, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), has arrested a serving Army officer posted with the Ministry of Defence’s Department of Defence Production (DDP) and a private individual in a bribery case, underscoring the government’s stated policy of “zero tolerance against corruption,” senior MoD officials said.
Who was arrested in the anti-graft drive?
Lt Col Deepak Kumar Sharma, Deputy Planning Officer (International Cooperation and Exports) in the DDP, and Vinod Kumar were arrested on December 20, 2025, a day after the agency registered the case based on what it termed “reliable source information.”
The action, officials said, reflects a proactive approach by the government to curb corruption through legal and institutional mechanisms.
Why did the CBI arrest the serving Army officer?
According to the CBI, the case was registered on December 19 against Lt Col Sharma, his wife Col Kajal Bali—currently Commanding Officer of the 16 Infantry Division Ordnance Unit in Sri Ganganagar, Rajasthan—and others, including a Dubai-based company.
The allegations relate to criminal conspiracy and bribery in connection with defence manufacturing and export-related matters.
What has CBI accused the officer of?
The agency has alleged that Lt Col Sharma was involved in corrupt and illegal activities, acting in connivance with representatives of private defence companies to obtain undue advantages in exchange for favours from government departments and ministries.
Investigators claim that two individuals, Rajiv Yadav and Ravjit Singh, allegedly handling the Indian operations of the accused foreign company from Bengaluru, were in regular contact with Sharma to pursue such favours.
The CBI further alleged that Vinod Kumar delivered a bribe of ₹3 lakh to Lt Col Sharma on December 18, 2025, on behalf of the company.
What did the CBI searches at different locations yield?
Searches were conducted at multiple locations, including Delhi, Sri Ganganagar, Bengaluru and Jammu. The agency said it recovered the alleged bribe amount of ₹3 lakh, additional cash of ₹2.23 lakh from Sharma’s Delhi residence, and ₹10 lakh from premises in Sri Ganganagar, along with other incriminating material.
Searches at the officer’s office in New Delhi are continuing. Both accused were produced before a court and have been remanded to police custody till December 23, 2025. Further investigation is underway.
