CBI arrests Bharat Mathur, Mudavath Devula in alleged ₹2.5L bribe

Business Apr 19, 2026

The Central Bureau of Investigation, or CBI, just arrested Bharat Mathur, the Senior Vice President of a major corporate group, and Mudavath Devula, a deputy director general at the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), for allegedly demanding a ₹250,000 bribe to fast-track approvals for importing drones.
The arrests happened on Saturday in Delhi, with the bribe money actually recovered during the operation.

Case spotlights India's civil aviation corruption

During follow-up searches at four locations in Delhi, the CBI found ₹3,700,000 in cash, plus gold and silver coins, and digital devices.
This case has put a spotlight on corruption issues within India's civil aviation sector, and shows why transparency and accountability are needed now more than ever.