Soldier accuses two army officers of torture, probe ordered
By IANSMonday, June 14, 2010
NEW DELHI - The Indian Army Monday began probing allegations against two of its officers accused of torturing a soldier posted in Arunachal Pradesh, sources here said.
The probe was ordered after the family of Sepoy Santosh Kumar alleged that Major Sameer Dixit and Captain Uday Bhanaut of 15 Mahar regiment physically assaulted Kumar after he had an altercation with his colleague over some issue.
The family alleged that the officers even threatened Kumar with his life if he complained against them.
Kumar’s wife alleged that on May 26 Major Dixit and Captain Bhanaut called him to the adjutant’s office and started beating him.
The army has initiated a probe to find out the truth behind the incident, an official said.
The incident has left the army shocked particularly in the wake of a series of allegations of misconduct by its officers. A top level officer is currently facing an inquiry after a colonel’s wife alleged that he tried to molest her during an official trip to Israel.
Kumar’s father has written a letter to Defence Minister A.K. Antony, Defence Secretary Pradeep Kumar and Bharti Singh, wife of Army Chief Gen V.K. Singh and has also reported the matter to the police in Dirang in Arunachal Pradesh.
