Kanpur | The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has uncovered a major corruption and bribery case linked to military procurement contracts, triggering a high-profile probe involving a serving Army Colonel, prominent Kanpur-based businessmen and their associates. The case revolves around allegations of bribes paid in exchange for securing Army tenders, obtaining approval for allegedly low-quality product samples and clearing long-pending bills related to defence supplies.
The investigation has sent shockwaves through Kanpur’s business and defence supply circles, with agencies now examining whether a larger organized corruption network was operating within military procurement channels.
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The CBI has registered a case against businessmen Akshat Agarwal and his father Mayank Agarwal, along with their associates Ashutosh Shukla and Naresh Pal, in connection with the alleged bribery racket. Earlier, the agency had already arrested serving Army officer Colonel Himanshu Bali, who is accused of accepting nearly ₹50 lakh in bribes from M/s Eastern Global Limited.
According to investigators, Colonel Himanshu Bali was posted with the Army Ordnance Corps under the Eastern Command headquartered in Kolkata. The probe suggests that during March and April 2026, Eastern Global Limited secured important Army contracts, during which the alleged bribery transactions took place.
Investigators suspect that senior company representatives and intermediaries remained in constant contact with the Army officer in order to influence tender allocation and procurement decisions. The agency is now examining communication records, digital evidence and financial transactions connected to the accused individuals.
The CBI’s preliminary findings also indicate that the company allegedly received undue favours in the approval process for defence supply samples. Officials suspect that low-quality products may have been cleared through manipulated inspection procedures. In addition, the accused are alleged to have influenced the release of long-pending payments linked to defence procurement contracts.
The FIR in the case was formally registered on May 18, 2026, following which Colonel Himanshu Bali was taken into custody. Since then, the investigation has expanded significantly, with agencies scrutinizing defence contracts, bank records, payment trails and internal procurement documentation.
Sources associated with the investigation claim that the business network linked to the accused was not restricted to Kanpur alone and had operational links extending to West Bengal as well. Investigators have reportedly examined records connected to a large warehouse located on Diamond Harbour Road in Bishnupur, West Bengal, which is associated with the company.
During the course of the investigation, attention has also turned toward a luxurious bungalow located in Kanpur Cantonment area, allegedly linked to the businessman family. Sources claim that crores of rupees were spent on constructing and furnishing the property, which is considered one of the most lavish residences in the locality.
Since the registration of the case, Akshat Agarwal and Mayank Agarwal have largely remained out of public view. Speculation has intensified locally regarding possible questioning by central agencies, although no official confirmation has been issued so far. Investigators are reportedly interrogating several close associates and business contacts connected to the accused.
The probe has further revealed that M/s Eastern Global Limited manufactures nearly 78 categories of products related to defence supplies. The company operates in sectors including metal goods, leather products, textiles and wooden packaging materials. Its product portfolio reportedly includes bags, belts, ropes, bedding materials, ready-made garments, sports goods and packing equipment.
The company’s primary industrial unit is located in the Ruma Industrial Area of Kanpur. Business records indicate that the company witnessed rapid financial growth over the last few years. Its turnover reportedly rose from around ₹35 crore in the financial year 2023-24 to more than ₹41 crore during 2024-25.
Investigative agencies are now trying to determine whether defence procurement contracts were systematically manipulated through bribery, financial irregularities and influence networks operating within supply chains. Officials believe the investigation may lead to further disclosures and additional action in the coming weeks.
