Inquiry on into land scam involving Army officers: Antony
New Delhi: Government on Wednesday said an inquiry has been ordered by Army's Eastern Command to look into a land scam, allegedly involving three Lieutenant General-rank officers.
"No Objection Certificate was issued by 33 Corps headquarters on February 6, 2009 for constructing an educational institution on land adjoining Army areas.
"As this was contrary to an earlier decision, a Court of Inquiry has been ordered by HQ Eastern Command to investigate the circumstances in which the NOC was allowed to be given," Defence Minister AK Antony said in response to a query in Rajya Sabha.
The allegation has been levelled against Lt Gen P K Rath, Military Secretary Lt Gen Avadhesh Prakash and 11 Corps Commander Lt Gen Ramesh Halgalli. The officers have been attached to the Eastern Army Headquarters in Kolkata for the investigations.
Meanwhile, replying to another query on purchase of large tracts of land in Barmer near Pakistan border, the Defence Minister said, "a detailed inquiry has been ordered into these land transactions and Home Ministry is also closely monitoring the investigations in coordination with Rajasthan government."
A private company Pearl Agrotech Corporation Limited had reportedly purchased 20311 bighas of land in 681 deals spread over several years beginning 2002-03 in the notified area of Barmer district, he added.
Antony said the Army has ordered an inquiry into the alleged firing by its personnel during a recruitment rally in Chandauli in July this year.
A candidate was killed and several others were injured when authorities resorted to firing while controlling a mob during the recruitment rally on July 19.
Antony said a Court of Inquiry has been ordered into the alleged recruitment scam in Ajmer in July. Six Army men, including three majors, are accused of their alleged involvement in the case.
-PTI