The FIR was registered against SIFL MD M Shahnavaz, senior manager Valsan and Subi Malli from Mumbai, who mediated the deal. Some unknown persons of the Avadi unit have also been named in the case, CBI sources said.
CBI has charged the officials with conspiring with Malli to influence public servants of the Defence establishment at Avadi and bagging some contracts at highly inflated rates and cheated the exchequer.
No arrests have been made so far, CBI sources said, adding the case was registered after searches on Jan 15 and 16 at the residences and premises of the suspects in Kerala, Mumbai, Avadi and Hyderabad.
SIFL is a regular supplier of road wheel arm and flange used in manufacturing artillery tanks.
Malli reportedly got in touch with the officials on supply to the Ordinance factory at Madek in Hyderabad in Jan 2012. SIFL's tender was at first rejected and the same product was re-tendered quoting a higher price and the company managed to secure the contract.
The deal came to light after the director board of SIFL raised objections to granting of commission.
A similar method was followed in the Avadi unit, which manufacturers heavy battlefield equipment, the sources said.
