Kolkata, 20 May (H.S.) : The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has arrested an Army Colonel posted at Fort William in Kolkata over allegations of involvement in a ₹50 lakh bribery and procurement scam linked to defence tenders.
The accused officer, identified as Colonel Himangshu Bali, was serving in the Army Ordnance Corps (AOC) under the Eastern Command. According to investigators, he is accused of facilitating tenders, clearing bills, and enabling the supply of substandard materials in exchange for illegal payments.
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Alleged Nexus With Kanpur-Based Firm
CBI officials said the case also involves a private company based in Kanpur. The agency has named the company’s owner, Mayank Agarwal, and his son, Akshat Agarwal, in the FIR registered in connection with the alleged corruption racket.
Investigators claim that Colonel Bali established contact with the company between March and April this year. During the investigation, it emerged that he allegedly met Akshat Agarwal in Kolkata’s Park Street area prior to the approval of a major defence-related tender.
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₹50 Lakh Bribe Allegedly Linked to Tender Approval
According to the CBI, the company secured a significant tender on April 24, allegedly after a bribe of ₹50 lakh was paid to the officer. The agency suspects that the money was intended to be routed to Delhi through hawala channels.
Officials believe the case may involve a wider network and suspect that other defence personnel could also be linked to the alleged scam. The agency is currently probing multiple tender approvals and procurement transactions connected to the matter.
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Detailed Financial and Communication Probe Underway
The accused Colonel has been arrested under provisions of the Prevention of Corruption Act and is being taken to Delhi for further interrogation.
CBI investigators are examining bank transaction records, call details, and possible links with hawala operators as part of the ongoing probe. Officials indicated that further revelations may emerge as the investigation progresses.
Hindusthan Samachar / Satya Prakash Singh
