Sukhna land scam: Action against general before retirement

NEW DELHI - Indian Army chief General Deepak Kapoor will take a decision on the punishment for Lt. Gen. Awadesh Prakash, who was indicted in a land scam in Sukhna Cantonment in West Bengal, before Prakash retires Jan 31, an official said Thursday.

The court of inquiry report has been sent to Gen. Kapoor for a final decision on the action to be taken against Prakash.

“It (the report) has been sent to the army chief in December last week. He has to take a decision on it,” a highly-placed defence source said, requesting anonymity.

The Eastern Army Command chief, Lt. Gen. V.K. Singh, had recommended a summary dismissal for Prakash, who is also the army chief’s right hand man. The army chief has to take a decision on the punishment to be awarded under the Army Act. However, there have been reports in certain sections of media that the decision might be delayed till Prakash retires.

“We are aware of it (Prakash’s retirement on Jan 31). The army chief will take a responsible decision and within time,” the official added.

The army court has indicted two officers for their role in issuing a no-objection certificate to a private establishment that falsely claimed to be establishing an affiliate of the well-known Ajmer-based Mayo College on land adjacent to the Sukhna military station in Darjeeling district.

The court of inquiry is also reported to have recommended administrative action against another lieutenant-general and disciplinary action and court martial against a major-general.

Prakash is one of the eight principal staff officers (PSOs) at the army headquarters who acts as an advisor to the army chief. As military secretary, he is responsible for the promotions and postings of officers. In that sense he is the right hand man of the army chief.