The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has arrested a Lieutenant Colonel, Deepak Kumar Sharma, and a private individual Vinod Kumar in a serious bribery and corruption case linked to the defence sector. According to the agency, the arrests were made on December 20, 2025, a day after the case was registered on December 19, 2025, based on credible source information.
As per the CBI, Lt Col Deepak Kumar Sharma was posted as Deputy Planning Officer (International Cooperation & Exports) in the Department of Defence Production under the Ministry of Defence. The FIR also names his wife Colonel Kajal Bali, who is stated to be the Commanding Officer of the 16 Infantry Division Ordnance Unit (DOU) at Sri Ganganagar, Rajasthan, along with other unknown persons, including a Dubai-based company.
Allegations in the Case
The investigating agency has alleged that Lt Col Sharma was habitually involved in corrupt and illegal activities and entered into a criminal conspiracy with representatives of private companies engaged in defence manufacturing and exports. In return for undue financial gratification, he allegedly provided illegal favours and official advantages to these companies while dealing with various government departments and ministries.
According to the CBI, Rajiv Yadav and Ravjit Singh, stated to be handling Indian operations of the accused company from Bengaluru, were in constant touch with Lt Col Sharma. The agency alleges that they worked in close connivance with him to secure favourable outcomes for their company through unlawful means.
₹3 Lakh Bribe and Seizures
The CBI has further alleged that on December 18, 2025, private individual Vinod Kumar, acting on the instructions of the said company, delivered a bribe of ₹3 lakh to Lt Col Sharma. Subsequent searches and raids led to the recovery of the bribe amount of ₹3 lakh from Sharma’s residence in Delhi, along with additional cash of ₹2.23 lakh.
During searches conducted at the accused officer’s residence in Sri Ganganagar, the agency seized ₹10 lakh in cash and other incriminating documents and materials. Searches are also being carried out at multiple locations, including Sri Ganganagar, Bengaluru, Jammu, and other places connected to the accused.
The CBI stated that searches at Lt Col Sharma’s office premises in New Delhi are still underway.
Court Production and Police Custody
Both accused persons—Lt Col Deepak Kumar Sharma and Vinod Kumar—were produced before the competent court on December 20, 2025. The court remanded them to police custody till December 23, 2025.
The agency has said that further investigation is in progress, and the role of other individuals and corporate entities involved in the alleged conspiracy is being examined.
Zero Tolerance in Sensitive Defence Matters
CBI officials indicated that corruption cases linked to defence production and exports are treated with utmost seriousness due to their direct implications for national security. Investigators are examining financial trails, communication records and official files through detailed forensic analysis.
