The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has registered a disproportionate assets case against a retired Indian Navy captain for allegedly amassing assets worth over Rs 3 crore beyond his known sources of income during his service period .
The accused has been identified as Captain Raminder Singh Wadhwa (Retd), who served in several sensitive postings during his career, including at the Directorate of Network Centric Operations, HQ SFC (Strategic Forces Command), Naval Dockyard Mumbai, Directorate of Quality Assurance (Naval) Cell in BHEL, National Security Council Secretariat, and the Directorate of Naval Design (Submarine Design Group) .
Sensitive postings raise concerns
The CBI has noted that Wadhwa served in highly confidential naval units, including the Submarine Design Group, which oversees submarine and warship design for the Indian Navy. Officers posted to such units have access to sensitive shipbuilding and procurement programmes .
The case has been registered under sections of the Prevention of Corruption Act relating to criminal misconduct by a public servant. No arrests have been made so far, and the investigation remains at a preliminary stage .
What the CBI found
The CBI’s FIR, filed on May 15 and made public on Wednesday, alleges that Wadhwa acquired several assets between 2010 and 2020 — a period covering much of his tenure as commander and captain in the Navy .
During this 10-year period, his family’s assets allegedly increased from Rs 2.31 crore to Rs 6.90 crore, with immovable properties nearly doubling in number. After accounting for the income and expenditure of the accused officer and his family members, including his wife and two sons, the CBI alleged that assets worth Rs 3.18 crore could not be satisfactorily explained .
Additional expenditures not yet factored in
The CBI FIR states that certain expenditures have not yet been included in the assessment :
- Construction and maintenance of a farmhouse on land purchased in Panchkula in 2011
- Movable assets, including vehicles acquired during the check period
- Expenses incurred on the education of the officer’s children
“As such, the amount of disproportionate assets is likely to increase during the investigation once these expenditures are also considered,” the FIR states. The agency also noted that properties are located in upscale areas and alleged that the officer and his family led a lavish lifestyle .
Background of the officer
Wadhwa joined the Indian Navy as a sub-lieutenant on July 1, 1989, and rose to the rank of captain — equivalent to a colonel in the Army — on August 6, 2016. He retired from service in May 2024 .
The case is part of a broader anti-corruption crackdown within the tri-services, with four senior armed forces personnel coming under the CBI scanner in the last five months .
What happens next
The CBI is currently conducting verification of assets and will carry out searches if required. The investigation will determine whether additional assets and expenditures push the unexplained wealth figure higher. No arrests have been made at this stage .
