CBI arrests ED of a defence PSE, 2 others in bribery case, seizes cash

The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has arrested an executive director of Pune-based defence public sector undertaking Munitions India Limited (MIL) and two private individuals, including the CEO of a drone technology and ammunition company, in a bribery case. The CBI is probing whether the executive director disclosed sensitive information concerning defence production, procurement and other strategically important activities of MIL.
A press statement issued by the CBI on Wednesday said, the agency registered the instant case on October 12 against the said accused public servant on allegations that while posted at MIL Pune as Executive Director, the accused, in connivance with certain private contractors and vendors, indulged in demand and acceptance of illegal gratification in exchange for extending official favours.
The CBI identified the arrested accused as Anil Kumar, executive director of Munitions India Limited; Ashish Kansal, CEO and director of defence firm SMPP Ltd; and B Harshavardhan, Kumar’s brother.During searches conducted at the premises of the accused Anil kumar  in Pune Rs.1.73 Crore in cash was recovered. Further, searches at the premises of the accused at Mysuru, Bengaluru and Delhi were conducted and approx. Rs. 50 Lakh in cash and incriminating documents were recovered. 
The MIL website describes the company as a defence public sector enterprise under the Ministry of Defence. It says MIL manufactures, tests, researches, develops and markets ammunition and explosives for the Army, Navy, Air Force and paramilitary forces. The company has its corporate office in Pune and employs around 25,000 people across 12 manufacturing units in the country. Its products include small-, medium- and high-calibre ammunition, mortars, rockets and hand grenades.

(Freelance Journalist)