Three senior army officers are in the dock for alleged immoral activities and unprofessional conduct while on a study tour as members of the prestigious Higher Command Course.
A court of inquiry ordered into the incident following complaints about the officers’ activities has reportedly held three Colonels prima facie blameworthy for misconduct involving gambling, women and liquor, sources revealed.
Disciplinary action has been recommended against a Colonel, which entails possible trial by a general court martial depending upon the outcome of subsequent proceedings. Administrative action had been recommended against two other colonels.
The court of inquiry ordered by the General Officer Commanding, 17 Mountain Division headquarters on directions of Headquarters 33 Corps, was presided over by the commander of an infantry brigade, Brig Siwach. It concluded this week.
According to sources, the prime accused in the case has been held blameworthy on seven counts, including visiting a casino against orders, misconduct with a woman employee of the hotel where the course members were staying, absent without leave and not reporting for duty at specified time.
Other officers have been held blameworthy for failing to exercise adequate command and control, failing to stop the officer’s misconduct and failure to inform the authorities concerned about the incident.
Following the incident, which took place earlier this month at Gangtok when the course members were on a tour of the north-east, the tour was cut short. While course members proceeded back to the Army War College, five Colonels were retained and attached with 17 Mountain Division for the court of inquiry.
The Higher Command Course, takes in selected officers to groom future leaders of the army. They are trained for command of a division and for holding senior staff appointments.
-via Tribune India
