New Delhi, July 5
The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) will question Lt Gen Jatinder Singh, the just-removed Commandant of the National Defence Academy, Pune.

CBI sources said the questioning would take place soon. The rank of the Commandant of the NDA is higher than the rank of Joint Secretary to Government of India and permission is needed to question officers who are in the rank of Joint Secretary or above. In this case, the permission has been cleared by the Ministry of Defence.

The CBI had on June 24 unearthed a job-for-cash scam in the NDA and has so far booked two Colonels, including Col Kulbir Singh, the staff officer to the Commandant. Defence Minister AK Antony had yesterday ordered the immediate removal of the Commandant.

Sources said the General was being questioned on the suspicion of his involvement because his Staff Officer was arrested on June 24 and booked by the CBI under the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988.

Around 40 persons were given jobs in the NDA on the basis of bribes. The CBI has alleged that bribe was accepted by officials and their touts for recruiting subordinate staff like cook, gardener, library and laboratory attendants, cadet orderly and lower division clerks. The staff officer is alleged to have obtained illegal gratification between Rs 3 lakh and Rs 4 lakh from each candidate.

“Since the Commandant’s staff officer is involved, it is logical that the General is questioned,” CBI sources said.