New Delhi:
One of the senior-most Generals in the army, Lieutenant General Avadesh Prakash may be fired after a court of inquiry has found him guilty of corruption.
As the army's Military Secretary, Prakash is one of eight principal staff officers to the Army chief. He reportedly used his official position to further the commercial interests of a businessman in what's known as the Siliguri Land Scam. The case relates to the transfer of land next to the Siliguri-based 33 Corps HQ to the businessman.
Prakash's dismissal has been recommended by the Eastern Army Commander, Lieutenant General VK Singh . Two other generals, Lieutenant General PK Rath, who was the Commander of 33 Corps, and Major General PC Sen, have also been found guilty, and are likely to face a court martial. A third general, Lieutenant General Ramesh Halagalli, may escape with an official reprimand.
The final decision rests with the Army Chief Gen Deepak Kapoor.
When asked for a response, the Army had this to say: "The Court of Inquiry proceedings are still under finalization. No comments on the questions raised can be answered at this stage. It is also reiterated that the proceedings of the CoI are of classified nature and any comments on the case can influence the proceedings of the case at this stage."