PUNE: Two officers of India’s Military Engineering Services were arrested in Pune after investigators said they demanded and accepted bribes linked to delayed contract payments, in a case that highlights persistent vulnerabilities in public procurement systems tied to defence infrastructure.
A Complaint That Triggered a Federal Investigation
Early this month, the Central Bureau of Investigation registered a corruption case based on a complaint from a representative of a private firm executing contracts for the Military Engineering Services (MES) in Pune. According to investigators, the complainant held power of attorney for the company and had completed assigned works, submitting the required completion certificates.
Despite this, payments were allegedly withheld. The complaint accused two MES officials—an Assistant Garrison Engineer (Electrical/Mechanical-II) and a Junior Engineer (Electrical/Mechanical-II) posted at Khadki, Pune—of demanding an “undue advantage” of ₹6 lakh to release the funds.
The case was formally registered on February 3, 2026, setting in motion a closely monitored inquiry into the alleged demand and negotiation that followed.
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Negotiations and the Alleged Demand for Bribe
Investigators say the accused officials initially sought ₹6 lakh, framing the payment as a condition for clearing dues already earned under the contract. After discussions with the complainant, the demand was allegedly scaled down.
The two officials, the CBI said, agreed to accept ₹2 lakh as a first instalment. The remaining amount, investigators allege, was to follow later. Such staggered demands, officers familiar with the case noted, are often used to reduce immediate risk while testing a complainant’s willingness to comply.
Throughout this period, the CBI maintained surveillance, preparing what officials described as a “trap” operation to catch the accused during the transaction.
The Trap at Khadki
On February 5, 2026, CBI officers laid the trap at the Junior Engineer’s office in Pune. According to the agency’s statement, the Junior Engineer was caught while accepting ₹2 lakh from the complainant. The cash was recovered from his office immediately after the exchange.
Following this, the Assistant Garrison Engineer was also arrested for his alleged role in the conspiracy. Both arrests were made on the charge of demanding and accepting bribes in connection with official duties.
The agency did not disclose whether the accused officers made any statements at the time of arrest. They were expected to be produced before a competent court as the investigation progressed.
Searches, Seizures and the Broader Inquiry
After the arrests, CBI teams conducted searches at the residential and official premises of the accused officers. These searches led to the recovery of documents and ₹1,88,500 in what the agency described as “unexplained cash.”
Officials said the seized material would be examined to determine whether it pointed to additional instances of corruption or financial irregularities linked to MES contracts. The investigation, the CBI noted, remains ongoing.
