New Delhi/Pune, October 15, 2026: The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has arrested Anil Kumar, Executive Director of Munitions India Limited (MIL), a defence public sector undertaking headquartered in Pune, along with two private individuals in a bribery case involving allegations of illegal gratification and the disclosure of sensitive defence-related information.
The CBI registered the case on October 12 against Anil Kumar on allegations that, while posted as Executive Director at MIL Pune, he connived with certain private contractors and vendors and demanded and accepted illegal gratification in exchange for extending official favours. The agency has also alleged the unauthorised disclosure of sensitive information concerning defence production, procurement and other strategically important activities of MIL, which it stated could potentially compromise national strategic and security interests.
The other two persons arrested on October 13 are Ashish Kansal, CEO and Director/Promoter of SMPP Limited (a private firm engaged in ammunition manufacturing and drone technology), and B. Harshavardhan, Anil Kumar’s brother. The case is linked to a ₹500 crore contract awarded to SMPP for the supply of ammunition to MIL over a one-year period.
The FIR alleges that Kansal maintained regular contact with Kumar in connection with the contract, and that an SMPP employee, Ravit Kumar Tewatia, was also in touch with him as part of the alleged arrangement.
During searches at Anil Kumar’s premises in Pune (Khadki), the CBI recovered ₹1.73 crore in cash. Further searches at premises linked to the accused in Mysuru, Bengaluru and Delhi led to the recovery of approximately ₹50 lakh in cash and incriminating documents, taking the total cash seizure to around ₹2.23 crore. The investigation is continuing.
According to the FIR, Kumar is alleged to have routed and parked substantial portions of the illicit proceeds through his wife, Chetnashri, his brother and other relatives to conceal the money. The agency received information that Kumar was due to receive a substantial bribe from Kansal on October 12 and had instructed his brother to travel to Pune the following morning to collect and conceal the proceeds.
The case has been registered under relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023, and the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988 (as amended in 2018).
Munitions India Limited, formed in 2021 through the corporatisation of the erstwhile Ordnance Factory Board, is a Ministry of Defence public sector enterprise engaged in the manufacture of ammunition, explosives and related products for the Indian Armed Forces and paramilitary forces.
It operates multiple manufacturing units across the country with its corporate office in Pune. No official reaction was immediately available from MIL or SMPP.
The CBI has stated that the investigation into the alleged nexus between the public servant and private parties is ongoing.
