‘Sensitive’ information leak, bribery: CBI arrests executive director of state-owned defence firm

The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has arrested the executive director of state-owned defence firm Munitions India Limited (MIL) and two private individuals in a bribery case. The CBI is investigating allegations that the executive director disclosed sensitive information related to defence production, procurement and other strategically important activities of MIL in exchange for illegal gratification. The arrests were made on October 13, following an investigation that began on October 12.

Anil Kumar, the executive director of MIL, as well as Ashish Kansal, CEO and director of defence firm SMPP Ltd, and Kumar's brother B Harshavardhan were taken into custody. During searches at the accused's residences in Pune, Mysore, Bengaluru, and Delhi, authorities recovered Rs. 1.73 crore in cash, Rs. 50 lakh in cash, and incriminating documents.

The First Information Report (FIR) registered by the CBI alleges that Anil Kumar, while posted as Executive Director at MIL Pune, conspired with private contractors and vendors to accept illegal gratification for granting official favors. The disclosure of sensitive information concerning defence production, procurement, and other strategically important activities of MIL poses a risk to national security and public safety.

The FIR also reveals that Ashish Kansal, CEO of SMPP Ltd, a company involved in drone technology and ammunition manufacturing, regularly communicated with Anil Kumar regarding a Rs. 500 crore contract awarded to SMPP for supplying ammunition to MIL over a one-year period.