HAL Files Cheating Case Against Hyderabad Firm Over 199 Forged Test Reports For Tejas Mk1A Programme

The Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) has lodged a cheating and forgery complaint against a Hyderabad-based aerospace components supplier, alleging that the company submitted 199 forged test reports in connection with the supply of parts for the Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas Mk1A programme.

Based on a complaint filed by Ranu Gupta, Deputy General Manager, Aircraft Division, HAL, the police have registered a case against M. Sivarama Prasad, CEO of M/s Tec Aero Devices, under Sections 420 (cheating), 465 (forgery), and 468 (forgery for purpose of cheating) of the Indian Penal Code.

Allegations and Inquiry

According to the complaint, HAL had issued 18 purchase orders to Tec Aero Devices between March 2022 and September 2023 for the supply of components required for the Tejas Mk1A programme. As per procurement conditions, the supplier was required to furnish material test certificates, inspection reports, and other supporting documents before bulk supplies were accepted.

HAL alleged that the company submitted 199 test reports covering 172 components. During quality control checks, HAL requested original reports relating to tensile strength, hardness, break load, shear, non-destructive testing (NDT), microstructure, and salt spray tests. However, the supplier allegedly failed to produce the original documentation.

Subsequently, Tec Aero Devices submitted a letter dated November 22, 2023, attributing two test reports to Hyderabad-based Axis Inspection Solutions. To verify the authenticity, HAL conducted an audit at Axis Inspection Solutions on November 29, 2023. During the audit, Axis Inspection Solutions informed HAL that none of the 199 reports had been issued by the company, further alleging that its name and signatures had been misused to create fabricated reports.

Action Taken and Supplier Response

Following these findings, the state-run aerospace manufacturer issued a show-cause notice and subsequently debarred Tec Aero Devices from doing business with HAL for three years, until March 10, 2027. The complaint clarifies that no payments have been released by HAL to the firm in connection with the disputed supplies.

Police have registered a case and are investigating the alleged submission of forged quality certification documents. Authorities have requested relevant documents from HAL to corroborate the claims.