CBI arrests Army colonel posted at Fort William in ₹50 lakh bribery case

The Central Bureau of Investigation arrested Colonel Himanshu Bali, posted at Fort William in Kolkata, over allegations linked to a ₹50 lakh bribery case involving Army tenders and supply-related approvals. According to investigators, the officer, who was serving in the Army Ordnance Corps under the Eastern Command of the Indian Army, allegedly engaged in corrupt practices related to awarding tenders, clearing bills and approving the supply of substandard materials.

CBI investigators alleged that Colonel Bali used his position in handling Army equipment and supply-related responsibilities to provide favours to a private company based in Kanpur. The agency stated that the company’s directors, Mayank Agarwal and Akshat Agarwal, were also named in the FIR registered in connection with the case. Investigators claimed that Colonel Bali developed contact with the company during March and April this year and later met Akshat Agarwal in Kolkata’s Park Street area.

According to the investigation, the Kanpur-based company allegedly secured an important tender on April 24. The CBI alleged that ₹50 lakh was accepted as a bribe in exchange for approving the tender. Investigators further claimed that there were plans to transfer the money to Delhi through hawala channels. The agency stated that the case indicated the possible existence of a wider corruption network linked to tender allocation and procurement activities.

The investigation also uncovered allegations regarding the approval and supply of inferior-quality materials to the Army. According to the CBI, irregularities were not limited to tender allocation and included alleged approval of substandard items intended to benefit a specific company. Investigators stated that multiple agreements related to tenders were under examination and that several more individuals or organisations could come under scrutiny during the probe.

The CBI registered the case under provisions of the Prevention of Corruption Act and launched searches and document verification following receipt of specific information. Investigators are examining financial transaction records, bank details, call records and communication links related to the accused persons and alleged hawala operators. Sources stated that Colonel Bali was being taken to Delhi for further interrogation as part of the ongoing investigation.