Overview
- The CBI, which registered the case Saturday, April 18, laid a trap and arrested M. Devula and Bharat Mathur while recovering the full Rs 2.5 lakh.
- Raids at four sites in Delhi turned up Rs 37 lakh in cash, gold and silver coins, and several phones and computers now under review.
- According to the FIR, Mathur sought clearances for three Asteria Aerospace drone import files and an agreement of Rs 5 lakh per file was recorded.
- Investigators booked Devula, Mathur and Asteria Aerospace under the Prevention of Corruption Act and relevant Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita sections, and the inquiry is ongoing.
- Reliance, listed in Asteria’s filings as the majority owner, said Mathur was a consultant and denied any approved payment, a stance that puts corporate controls and DGCA oversight under fresh scrutiny.