The Central Bureau of Investigation has uncovered an alleged ₹12 crore fake tender scam at the Ordnance Equipment Factory, Hazratpura, in Firozabad.
The agency has registered four separate FIRs against 10 accused, including former senior factory officials and private contractors.
The alleged irregularities reportedly took place between 2022 and 2025.
Former Officials and Contractors Named
According to the CBI, the FIRs name former Chief General Manager Amit Singh, former Junior Works Managers Deepesh Gupta and Manoj Kumar, tailor Raghunandan Sharma, and multiple private business operators.
The agency alleges that procurement rules were manipulated to award contracts to selected firms in violation of established procedures.
Tender Process Allegedly Manipulated
Investigators claim that factory computer systems and IP addresses were allegedly used to facilitate bid submissions and processing in favour of certain companies.
The CBI has also alleged illegal gratification, including:
- Cash payments
- Flight tickets for South Korea trips
- Transfers into spouses’ bank accounts
- Favoured contract awards
MSM Enterprises Contracts Under Scanner
The first FIR relates to contracts worth around ₹5.67 crore awarded to MSM Enterprises.
The CBI alleges that the firm secured nearly 50 tenders despite lacking required technical qualifications.
Investigators are also examining alleged forged experience certificates and tender condition changes that reportedly violated CVC guidelines.
MK Industries Allegedly Received ₹5.26 Crore Contracts
The second FIR concerns contracts worth approximately ₹5.26 crore awarded to MK Industries / MK Hitech Private Limited.
According to investigators, verification at the company’s registered address in Faridabad reportedly found no active business operations.
Despite this, the firm allegedly received 17 contracts.
Local Purchase Committee Purchases Investigated
The third FIR relates to purchases through the Local Purchase Committee.
The CBI alleges that Ayush Enterprises and Urban Wall obtained 29 tenders using fabricated quotations.
Investigators claim both firms were allegedly controlled by Ajit Gautam in the names of his wife and son.
Fourth FIR Alleges ₹30 Lakh Bribery
The fourth FIR involves alleged bribery of approximately ₹30 lakh linked to unauthorised construction near the factory’s security zone.
Investigators allege businessman Raj Kumar Mittal was allowed to construct an 18-foot-high, 300-metre-long concrete wall around 20 feet from the factory boundary despite security restrictions.
Defence Procurement Controls Under Focus
The Ordnance Equipment Factory Hazratpura is part of Troop Comforts Limited, a Defence PSU under the Ministry of Defence.
It manufactures specialised equipment, uniforms, parachutes and camouflage nets for the Indian Armed Forces.
Procurement fraud in such institutions raises serious concerns around vendor due diligence, bid transparency, internal approvals and public fund protection.
Independent auditing services in india can help public sector entities strengthen procurement controls, detect related-party risks, verify vendor eligibility and monitor suspicious tender patterns.
Conclusion
The CBI investigation is now examining procurement records, financial transactions, digital evidence and communication trails.
All allegations remain subject to investigation and judicial proceedings, and the final outcome will depend on evidence presented before the competent court.
Shunyatax Global Insight
Shunyatax Global says that tender fraud often begins with weak vendor checks, manipulated bid conditions and poor digital audit trails. Public institutions should adopt strict procurement audits, IP tracking, maker-checker approvals, vendor background verification and independent auditing services in india to protect public funds and institutional credibility.