New Delhi, May 31
The Defence Ministry inquiry, headed by Chief Vigilance Officer R.P. Bagai, has found prima facie evidence of misconduct against the three suspended officials who figured in the Tehelka expose on defence deals, sources said today.
Mr Bagai, who is a Joint Secretary in the Ministry, submitted his report to the government today. The inquiry committee was to have submitted its report on April 30 but was given a one month extension.
The sources said the committee had found prima facie evidence of wrongdoing by Deputy Secretary H.C. Pant, Additional Financial Adviser Narendra Singh and Senior Section Officer Sashi Menon.
All three officials had been filmed by a spy camera, receiving money from Tehelka reporters masquerading as arms dealers. Soon after Tehelka went public with its expose on March 13, the officers were suspended.
The Army’s Court of Inquiry into the role of Army Officers who figured in the Tehelka tapes had submitted its report to the GOC-in-C of Western Command. The COI had found evidence of misconduct against five officers, including three Major-Generals.
UNI
