Defence
Army's Strategic Forces Command Officer Who Was Dismissed From Service By President Was In Contact With Pakistan's ISI, Probe Reveals
11 Gorkha Rifles march down during the Republic Day Parade. (Representative image)
An Indian Army Major, from the Strategic Forces Command, who was dismissed from service by President Droupadi Murmu in October was in contact with Pakistan's intelligence services, the Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI), reported Indian Express.
An investigation conducted by Military Intelligence uncovered that the major maintained constant communication with an ISI operative, which triggered a more in-depth probe into his actions.
The major has since approached the Armed Forces Tribunal in New Delhi, requesting copies of the Court of Inquiries and Board of Officers' investigations regarding the allegations against him.
He asserts that the presidential order terminating his service under the pleasure doctrine needs review, and without access to these documents, he cannot file for such a review.
The President, utilising powers granted by Section 18 of the Army Act 1950 and Article 310 of the Constitution of India, had ordered the termination of the major’s service in September, with the dismissal taking effect in October.
The officer, commissioned into the regiment of artillery in December 2012, served in various units and roles during his 11 years with the Army.
In March 2021, he was posted to a strategic forces unit at a confidential location and underwent the 'missile foundation course' at the Strategic Force Command School.
Following this, his two mobile phones, laptop, and hard drive were seized for a forensic digital examination. He was also required to declare all digital devices and social media accounts.
Initially, it was suspected that the major was in contact with multiple Pakistani operatives. However, further questioning revealed his communication was only with the suspected operative ‘Aarushi Akash’. The major claimed unawareness of the contact's identity.
Two Courts of Inquiry were subsequently convened. The first aimed to establish the 'sadistic behaviour and hypersexuality' of the officer, while the second focused on investigating his contact with the Pakistani operative and any related security breaches.
These inquiries were completed between September and October 2022.
The major was suspended in May 2022 during the inquiry process. On 2 October 2023, he received the President’s order for termination and was instructed to vacate his posting in the artillery regiment.
