The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has apprehended a Deputy Director General from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) and a Senior Vice President of a major corporate group in a significant drone import bribery scandal. The arrests, made on Saturday, are part of an ongoing investigation into alleged irregularities in regulatory clearances for drone imports.
Key Arrests and Allegations
Mudavath Devula, the Deputy Director General at the Airworthiness Directorate of the DGCA, and Bharat Mathur, Senior Vice President of a corporate entity involved in drone imports, were taken into custody. According to a CBI spokesperson, Devula is accused of soliciting an “undue advantage” – a bribe of Rs 2.5 lakh – from private individuals. This payment was allegedly in exchange for facilitating approvals and permissions for applications pending with the aviation regulator on behalf of a private aerospace company.
Nationwide Raids and Seizures
Following the arrests, the CBI launched extensive search operations at multiple locations linked to the accused across Delhi. These raids proved fruitful, leading to the recovery of substantial assets. Investigators seized Rs 37 lakh in cash, a quantity of gold and silver coins, and several digital devices, which are now being examined as part of the evidence.
Investigation Continues into Drone Import Irregularities
The case sheds light on potential corruption within the regulatory framework governing drone imports, a sector of increasing strategic and economic importance. The CBI stated that the entire bribe amount of Rs 2.5 lakh was also seized during the operation. The investigation is actively underway, with authorities committed to uncovering the full extent of the alleged irregularities and ensuring accountability within the civil aviation sector.