New Delhi. A senior Reliance Industries executive has been granted bail in a CBI investigation linked to alleged bribery in drone import approvals, while a government aviation regulator official remains in custody. The case concerns an alleged payment of around $16,000, approximately ₹13.3 lakh, reportedly connected to expediting drone import applications involving Asteria Aerospace.
Alleged Bribe Linked to Drone Import Approvals
According to investigators, the case centres on alleged irregularities in the clearance process for drone imports and related regulatory approvals. The matter involves Asteria Aerospace, a Reliance subsidiary engaged in drone technology and aerial data analytics services.
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The CBI had earlier arrested Reliance senior vice president Bharat Mathur along with an official from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation. Investigators allege that both were involved in facilitating or influencing drone import approvals in exchange for financial consideration.
Court Notes Document Submission by Reliance
A Delhi court noted in its order that Reliance Industries had complied with investigation requirements and submitted documents sought by the agency. The court did not specify the exact nature of the documents.
Bharat Mathur has been granted bail on a personal bond of ₹1 lakh, while the DGCA official remains in judicial custody. Reliance has earlier stated that the executive was engaged in a consulting capacity and that the company was neither aware of nor had approved any unauthorised transaction.
Asteria Aerospace Records Under Scrutiny
Asteria Aerospace, acquired by Reliance in 2019 for about $2.45 million, approximately ₹20 crore at the time, provides aerial intelligence solutions across sectors including agriculture, infrastructure, telecom and energy.
As part of the probe, CBI officials have questioned co-founders of Asteria Aerospace to examine internal approval processes and communication linked to drone import applications. Investigators are reviewing communication records, email trails and financial transactions to determine whether regulatory clearances were influenced through unauthorised intervention.
Officials said the investigation is ongoing and further summons, document reviews or questioning of individuals connected to drone procurement and regulatory clearance may follow. All individuals involved remain presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.
