CBI charges ex-general, 2 colonels
The CBI on Thursday filed a chargesheet against the then chief of the National Defence Academy, a Lt.
The CBI on Thursday filed a chargesheet against the then chief of the National Defence Academy, a Lt. Gen.-ranked officer (now retired), two colonels and eight others for alleged corruption and cheating in the appointment process of “Group C” employees at the prestigious institution.
According to sources, the then Commandant of the NDA, Lt. Gen. Jatinder Singh (Retd), his then staff officer Col. Kulbir Singh, physical training officer Col. A.K. Singh, among others, have been named in the chargesheet, filed in a local court in Pune, for alleged criminal conspiracy, cheating and under the provisions of Prevention of Corruption Act.
CBI spokesperson said, “It was further alleged that in pursuance of the said conspiracy, the accused persons obtained huge illegal gratification from a number of candidates by promising them confirmed appointment to the said posts. The accused had allegedly shown undue favour to the candidates in physical and written examinations.” The spokesperson said that the chargesheet has been filed in connection with alleged irregularities in the process for recruitment to 97 “Group C” posts at the academy located in Khadakwasla near Pune, during 2012. After a thorough investigation, the CBI filed the chargesheet against the accused public servants and private persons, she added. The agency also recorded the statement of Jatinder Singh which has been mentioned in the probe report. Prior to heading the NDA, Mr Singh was the director-general of the Rashtriya Rifles and was also awarded the “COAS commendation card”.
It may be recalled that the agency sleuths had conducted searches at the premises of the accused persons, leading to the recovery of a large number of incriminating documents and huge amount of cash, she said.
Investigations revealed that largescale irregularities were allegedly committed in the recruitment for subordinate staff such as gardeners, cooks, lab orderlies, lab attendants and library attendants in the NDA-Pune. There were allegations that the accused officials obtained illegal gratification of Rs 3,00,000-4,00,000 from each prospective candidate to give them appointment.