Chandigarh, April 18
Yet another major general is in the dock for alleged acts of corruption. A court of inquiry has held a major general blameworthy for professional impropriety and financial misappropriation and has recommended disciplinary action against him, it is learnt.
Sources said the officer, Maj Gen R. Goswami, currently posted with the Central Command, Lucknow, has been taken to task for his alleged acts of omission and commission while he was serving as the Sub Area Commander in Meerut earlier.
The findings and recommendations of the court of inquiry, which concluded a few days ago, have been sent to the chain of command for review and further action. Disciplinary action entails trial by a general court martial, though the case can be disposed of through other means depending upon the gravity and substance of the matter.
The case is associated with that of Brig K.T. Nambiar, who is already facing trial by a general court martial for similar charges. Sources said General Goswami had succeeded Brig Nambiar as Sub Area Commander.
Allegations of offences in respect to property, intent to defraud and acts prejudicial to good order and military discipline have cropped up against them.
In fact Brig Nambiar had been promoted as Major-General and posted as Inspector-General, Assam Rifles, in the north-east, a post equivalent to that of the General Officer Commanding of a division. When charges were brought up against him following a complaint, he was reduced to his “substantive” rank of brigadier.
Sources revealed that the Assam Police lodging an FIR against a lieutenant-colonel last year on charges of extortion had opened a Pandora's box. The officer had been posted at Sub Area Headquarters in Meerut and had served under both the aforementioned commanders.
According to reports, the officer, allegedly under the patronage of his superior officers, had indulged in a series of malpractices and financial irregularities. Among them were concluding CSD canteen contracts without calling for tenders and promoting specific brands of liquor.
