Chandigarh, December 9
A general court martial (GCM) has sentenced a lieutenant-colonel serving with the Military Farms to eight-year rigorous imprisonment, besides cashiering him from service for the alleged acts of corruption, it is learnt.

The officer, Lt-Col R. Mittal was tried on six charges under provisions of Sections 52 and 63 of the Army Act for intent to defraud and acts prejudicial to good order and military discipline.

The GCM, presided over by Col Purshottam Singh, deputy commander of an infantry brigade, found the officer guilty on four of the six counts. The GCM, which began at Raiwala on May 16, concluded last week. The GCM’s verdict is subject to confirmation by the GOC-in-C, Central Command, Lucknow.

The officer had been accused of violating certain laid down policies and procedures, which allegedly resulted in “huge” loses to the government, sources said. It was also alleged that Rs 5.8 lakh were recovered from his residence at Dehradun during a raid conducted by the military intelligence.

The officer had pleaded not guilty to the charges levied against him and contended that similar practices and procedures were being followed in some other military farms.

Prosecution counsel Col P.N. Chaturvedi (retd) said the officer was held guilty by the GCM on the basis of documentary and other oral evidence produced in court during the course of the trial.

He added that the loss to the government, as estimated by the prosecution, was about Rs 2 crore. The Military Farm, Dehradun, where the alleged violations took place, was later closed down.

Sources said several other persons, including officers, are also involved in the case and action is being contemplated against them.