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Kochi, Feb 11 (IANS) Mumbai-based Subi Mally, an alleged "intermediary" between suppliers and ordnance factories, who was arrested last week by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) here, was released on bail Monday. The CBI court granted her conditional bail, and instructed her not to leave Kochi. She should also submit a bond, besides report to the police twice a week. The CBI team investigating irregularities in the tendering process for the procurement of parts has already booked two senior officials of a Kerala state public sector undertaking here. The Mumbai-based Mally was first questioned by the CBI there last month and then asked to report to Kochi. She came here Jan 22 and was told that she will have to report to the CBI office when asked. She was again questioned last Thursday and arrested in the night. Steel and Industrial Forgings Ltd. (SIFL) managing director M. Shanavas and senior manager Valsan have already been questioned in this matter and listed as accused by the CBI. In the FIR filed at the CBI court here, it mentions that certain people tried to manipulate the SIFL's supply to the Ordnance Factory at Medak near Hyderabad and also to another defence establishment in Chennai. According to CBI officials, top ranking defence officials - both serving and retired - are also alleged to be involved and are likely to be booked very soon. Defence Minister A.K. Antony, who was in the state Sunday, had pointed out that if there are any defence officials in the list of the accused submitted by the CBI, no mercy would be shown.
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