The Central Bureau of Investigation has arrested a senior executive of Pune-headquartered Munitions India Limited and two private individuals in a bribery case involving alleged disclosure of sensitive information related to defence production, procurement and strategically important activities.
The CBI said in a press statement that it arrested Anil Kumar, executive director of Munitions India Limited, on October 13, along with Ashish Kansal, CEO and director of defence company SMPP Ltd, and B Harshavardhan, Kumar’s brother. The agency registered the case on October 12.
According to the CBI, Kumar allegedly demanded and accepted illegal gratification while posted as executive director at MIL Pune. The agency said he allegedly acted in connivance with private contractors and vendors to extend official favours. The allegations have not been established in court.
The FIR cited by the CBI states that the alleged disclosure of information concerning defence production, procurement and other strategic activities had the potential to compromise national security and public safety. The document also alleges that Kansal maintained regular contact with Kumar regarding an official contract worth Rs 500 crore awarded to SMPP for supplying ammunition to MIL over one year.
Searches conducted at the accused public servant’s premises in Pune resulted in the recovery of Rs 1.73 crore in cash, the CBI said. Further searches at premises in Mysore, Bengaluru and Delhi led to the recovery of Rs 50 lakh in cash and documents described by the agency as incriminating. The CBI said its investigation was continuing.
The case places scrutiny on the internal controls surrounding procurement and vendor relationships at a defence public sector enterprise. MIL operates under the Ministry of Defence and manufactures, tests, researches, develops and markets ammunition and explosives for the Army, Navy, Air Force and paramilitary forces.
The company’s corporate office is in Pune and its website says it employs around 25,000 people across 12 manufacturing units in India. Its product portfolio includes small-, medium- and high-calibre ammunition, mortars, rockets and hand grenades. The alleged contract referred to in the FIR therefore concerns a supplier relationship within an organisation responsible for strategically important defence production.
The CBI has not announced the outcome of the investigation or indicated whether further arrests or charges will follow. The agency’s statement said the investigation was continuing, while the allegations against the arrested individuals remain subject to legal proceedings.
