COURT OF INQUIRY
TEHELKA DOT COM TO BE FINALISED SHORTLY
After reports by 'Tehelka Dot Com' came to media attention, a
Court of Inquiry was ordered by GOC-in-C Wertern Command on 15
Mar 2001 to inquire into allegations of influencing the procurement
of defence equipment/stores by the Army Officers. After examining
the relevant witnesses, the Court of Inquiry was finalised under
the directions of GOC-in-C, Western Command on 14 Jun 2001. At
that stage for the first time, the culpability of the Army Officers
came to light. Accordingly, towards the end of Jun 2001, disciplinary
as well as administrative action commenced against the indicted
officers.
Meanwhile, Justice Venkataswami Commission of Inquiry was appointed
by the Central Govt to enquire into the allegations made by 'Tehelka
Dot Com'. There upon, the Army Officers and the civilians who
were allegedly involved in the incident, being prime witnesses,
had to testify before the Inquiry Commission. Since then, the
Army Officers/civilians are of and on appearing before the Inquiry
Commission, which is still in progress.
The delay that has taken place in finalisation of disciplinary
proceedings against the indicted officers is due to their non
availability to the Army authorities because of the pre-occupation
of Army Officers/civilians with Justice Venkataswami Commission
which is a statutory body and hence accorded priority.
The administrative action against indicted officers will be finalised
shortly. The disciplinary case will commence on conclusion of
the Inquiry Commission/availability of the officers.
