The Central Bureau of Investigation has arrested Lieutenant Colonel Deepak Kumar Sharma, an officer posted with the Department of Defence Production under the Defence Ministry. He was serving as Deputy Planning Officer for International Cooperation and Exports. The arrest came after the agency registered an FIR on 19th December based on what it described as reliable source information.
A private individual, Vinod Kumar, has also been arrested. CBI officials said Deepak Kumar Sharma accepted a cash bribe of ₹3 lakh from him on 18th December. The agency alleges this payment was made on behalf of a Dubai-based defence company. Investigators said Sharma was in close contact with the firm’s representatives as they sought illegal favours.
During raids in Delhi, Bengaluru, Sri Ganganagar and Jammu, officials seized ₹2.23 crore in cash from Deepak Kumar Sharma’s Delhi residence and ₹10 lakh from his Sri Ganganagar home. The bribe money was recovered as well. CBI officers also searched his office premises in New Delhi. Both accused have been remanded to police custody until 23rd December.
Names, Links and Expanding Suspicion
The FIR names Deepak Kumar Sharma’s wife, Colonel Kajal Bali, as one of the accused. She is the Commanding Officer of the 16 Infantry Division Ordnance Unit in Sri Ganganagar, Rajasthan. The Dubai-based company and several of its representatives are also listed as suspects.
According to investigators, Deepak Kumar Sharma made repeated arrangements with private defence firms to offer support and favours in exchange for money. Rajiv Yadav and Ravjit Singh allegedly managed the Indian operations of the Dubai firm. Officials say both men worked closely with Sharma to influence government departments. The CBI believes the network operated through internal contacts, cash transfers and personal coordination.
The agency has described the findings as significant and said it will review seized materials to track money flow, communication trails and foreign links. Officers expect more questioning and possible arrests in the coming days.
Raids and Recovery
The CBI carried out raids across several locations as part of the investigation. Cash, documents and digital devices were confiscated from multiple addresses, including residences linked to Deepak Kumar Sharma. The agency has said the material collected will be examined for evidence of bribery and conspiracy.
Officials reported that the operation is still active. Searches continue, and investigators are analysing bank transactions and financial records. Court filings suggest that Sharma’s role in defence exports and cooperation placed him in a position to influence official clearances.
The case now moves into a deeper phase as the CBI studies the documents it seized. The agency will present follow-up findings to the court as the investigation progresses.
