The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has arrested an Indian Army Colonel posted with the Army Ordnance Corps under the Eastern Command in Kolkata in connection with an alleged ₹50 lakh bribery case linked to defence procurement tenders. The agency has accused the officer of manipulating tender processes, approving substandard samples, and facilitating inflated bill clearances in exchange for illegal payments.
Allegations Linked to Defence Procurement
According to the FIR registered by the CBI, Colonel Himanshu Bali allegedly extended undue favours to a Kanpur-based defence supplier and its associated individuals during the award of military tenders. Investigators alleged that the officer helped the firm secure contracts by influencing procurement procedures and clearing pending as well as inflated bills.
The agency also alleged that substandard samples supplied by the company received approvals through corrupt practices. Multiple tenders awarded by the Eastern Command are now under scrutiny as part of the ongoing investigation.
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Hawala Route Allegedly Planned for Bribe Transfer
The CBI alleged that the pending bribe amount of ₹50 lakh was intended to be routed through hawala channels. As per the FIR, the officer allegedly contacted the businessman regarding the payment, after which arrangements were made for collection and delivery of funds in the Delhi-NCR region.
Investigators claimed that when the businessman cited cash constraints, the accused officer allegedly instructed intermediaries to coordinate the transfer. The agency further alleged that the money was to be collected from Chandni Chowk in Delhi before being routed to another individual connected to the transaction.
Meetings and Tender Awards Under Investigation
The investigation has highlighted alleged interactions between the accused officer and representatives of the defence supplier during March and April 2026. According to the CBI, the officer and company representatives remained in regular contact regarding tender-related matters.
Investigators alleged that a meeting took place in Kolkata’s Park Street area on April 22, 2026, following which a major Army tender was awarded to the firm on April 24. The agency is examining whether procurement norms were bypassed during the contract approval process.
Colonel Taken Into Custody in Kolkata
The accused officer was arrested in Kolkata under provisions of the Prevention of Corruption Act and is being brought to Delhi for further interrogation, officials said. The CBI has also detained private individuals associated with the supplier firm as part of the probe.
The agency stated that further investigation is underway to determine the extent of the alleged conspiracy and identify any additional officials or intermediaries linked to the case. No official statement from the Indian Army had been issued at the time of reporting.
