President terminates services of Army Major:
President Droupadi Murmu has terminated an Indian Army Major from the Strategic Forces Command (SFC), following the Army's recommendation due to severe breaches in security protocols.
President Terminates Services of Army Major
President Droupadi Murmu has terminated the service of a Major, acting on the Army's recommendation, due to alleged breaches of security protocol. The Major, who was previously stationed with the Strategic Forces Command, faced suspension last year, culminating in the termination of his service.
The Major faced charges of having classified information on his personal phone, a violation of both the Strategic Forces Command and Army protocols. Additionally, he was found to have communicated with a Pakistani Intelligence operative via social media. The suspicion surrounding the Major's actions was initially raised within the Strategic Forces Command, prompting an internal investigation.
Furthermore, an investigation is ongoing, involving nearly 20 defense personnel, connected to their involvement in a WhatsApp group named "Patiala Peg." The Major was also part of this group, which is suspected of engaging in unauthorized conversations.
Additional sources have indicated that more officers, including one with the rank of Brigadier, will face disciplinary action in the forthcoming weeks once the investigation concludes. It is important to note that these actions are not linked to any unauthorized disclosure of classified information outside the Army.
President Draupadi Murmu has invoked her authority, in accordance with the legal provisions detailed in Section 18 of the Army Act, 1950, along with Article 310 of the Constitution and other vested powers, to terminate the service of an Indian Army Major assigned to the Strategic Forces Command (SFC) unit. This decision followed an extensive Army inquiry conducted after it was revealed that the Major had been implicated in various incidents that posed a threat to national security.
The orders for termination were formally issued on September 15 and were officially disseminated earlier this month within the Strategic Forces Command Unit located in North India, where the Major was stationed. The investigation into the Major's conduct started back in March 2022 when a panel of Officers was assembled to investigate and assess issues concerning the compromise of national security attributed to the said officer.
President terminates services of Army Major: Key Points
Let us look into the key points -
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Termination and Security Concerns:
The terminated Major was accused of breaching security protocol and carrying classified information on his phone, against the protocols of the Strategic Forces Command and the Indian Army.
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WhatsApp Group Controversy:
Nearly 20 defence personnel are under scrutiny for their involvement in a WhatsApp group titled "Patiala Peg," allegedly for unauthorized communication, although no leaks of classified information outside the Army have been reported.
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Widening Probe:
The investigation, initially conducted by the Strategic Forces Command, is expanding to other agencies after the discovery of the WhatsApp group involving several military officers and their spouses.
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Other Related Cases:
A separate case concerning the violation of the right to privacy for four Army officers was also highlighted in a petition filed in the Supreme Court. This case stands distinct from the Major's situation, challenging the handling of their mobile phones during an espionage investigation.
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The Termination Order:
The termination order was enforced on September 15, supported by the President's powers under the Army Act, 1950, and Article 310 of the Constitution. It was based on the investigation that pointed out lapses threatening national security.
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Further Actions:
The inquiry discovered the Major's connection with a Pakistani Intelligence operative through social media. Additional officers, including a Brigadier, and a Lieutenant Colonel are under the scanner for disciplinary action due to their involvement in objectionable content sharing through WhatsApp.
This move has drawn attention to the enforcement of strict security measures and protocols within the Indian Army, emphasizing the seriousness with which breaches of national security are handled.
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