CBI arrests DGCA official, Reliance-linked executive in drone import bribery case
CBI arrests DGCA official, Reliance-linked executive in drone import bribery case
CBI arrests a DGCA deputy director general and a Reliance-linked executive in a ₹2.5 lakh drone import bribery case; searches recover Rs 37 lakh, gold, silver, and devices.
The Central Bureau of Investigation has arrested a deputy director general of the Directorate General of Civil Aviation and a senior executive linked to Reliance in a ₹2.5 lakh bribery case tied to drone import approvals. The development marks a fresh turn in a probe that ties regulatory clearances to private entities.
According to the FIR, Bharat Mathur, a senior vice-president at Reliance Industries Ltd and associated with Asteria Aerospace Ltd, allegedly contacted DGCA official M Devula in March regarding pending drone import applications. The agency alleges that the exchange was to clear approvals in return for undue advantage, with a plan reportedly involving ₹5 lakh per file. The meetings and alleged arrangements were linked to a delivery location near the IIT Delhi flyover.
During searches at multiple locations, the CBI recovered ₹37 lakh in cash, along with gold, silver coins and several digital devices. The agency says the case involves purported inducements to move drone imports through the regulator, with Devula accused of soliciting bribes and acting in cahoots with private entities.
A Reliance spokesperson stated that Mathur was engaged as a consultant and that the company was not aware of any unauthorised transactions of the sort being referred to, nor had it approved such actions. The FIR further notes that Asteria Aerospace counts Reliance Strategic Business Ventures Ltd, a Reliance subsidiary, as a majority shareholder. The investigation continues as authorities pursue all angles of the alleged bribery scheme.
