The Anti-Corruption Branch of the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has taken major action in an alleged tender scam linked to the Ordnance Equipment Factory (OEF), Hazratpur in Firozabad, registering four separate FIRs against 10 accused persons. As part of the investigation, multiple CBI teams carried out simultaneous searches at several locations across five cities on Wednesday morning. During the operation, the agency seized electronic devices, documents and other important evidence related to the case.
According to the CBI, the case is related to alleged irregularities in the tender allocation process at OEF Hazratpur, suspected bribery transactions and claims of providing undue benefits to certain private entities. The investigation agency is examining the tender procedures, alleged links between government officials and private firms, financial transactions and relevant documents to establish the facts.
In Firozabad, a CBI team conducted a search at the residence of glass entrepreneur Raj Kumar Mittal in Orchid Green. He has been accused of allegedly paying a bribe of around ₹30 lakh in connection with a tender related to the construction of a boundary wall near the factory premises. The agency is examining documents and financial records related to the alleged transaction.
A search was also carried out at the government residence of Raghunandan Sharma, a textile craftsman and tailor posted at OEF Hazratpur. He has been accused of allegedly helping a private businessman obtain benefits in the tender process in exchange for financial dealings. The CBI team examined records and documents recovered during the search.
Another CBI team searched the residence of Manoj Kumar, the then Junior Works Manager, located inside the Hazratpur factory premises. Manoj Kumar is currently posted in Delhi. During the search operation, the agency seized a laptop, which will be subjected to digital forensic examination to gather further evidence.
The CBI also conducted a raid at the residence of Santosh Kumar, proprietor of M/s MSS Enterprises in Usayani, Firozabad. He has been accused of allegedly playing a role in manipulation and irregularities related to tender procedures. The agency is examining company documents, financial records and other relevant material.
Two CBI teams reached Kanpur, where searches were conducted at the residences of former Junior Works Manager Deepesh Gupta and former Chief General Manager Amit Singh. Amit Singh is currently posted in Kanpur. The teams examined documents and records linked to their official and financial activities.
Apart from this, a search was conducted at the residence of Kapil Pandey, manager of M/s Dev Traders in Shahjahanpur. He has been accused of allegedly assisting in the tender process. In Delhi, the CBI searched the residence of Ravinder Singh, a partner of M/s M Industries. In Agra, searches were carried out at the residences of Ajit Gautam and Vijay Ratan, where documents were examined.
The CBI stated that the entire search operation was conducted in accordance with prescribed legal procedures and with complete transparency. Each search team was accompanied by two independent witnesses. The agency followed all required protocols during the searches, including personal verification procedures of team members before entering and leaving the premises.
During the search operation at the OEF Hazratpur premises, local police personnel along with male and female police teams were present to assist the CBI officers. The agency is now analysing the seized documents, digital evidence and financial records to trace the complete network behind the alleged irregularities.
CBI officials said that further action will be taken based on the findings of the investigation. If the involvement of any additional individuals, officials or private entities emerges during the probe, legal action will be initiated against them as per the law.
