BHUBANESWAR: Days after sparring online with former Army chief General V K Singh over the alleged custodial torture in Odisha capital, retired CBI director M Nageswara Rao has sent a letter to defence minister Rajnath Singh seeking action against two Army officers, including the one whose fiancée was allegedly molested at Bharatpur police station on Sept 15.
Rao, who was an Odisha cadre IPS officer, claimed the two defence officers had violated rules and conduct of the Indian Army.He said the Army Captain was reportedly drunk and had refused to undergo a breathalyser test, drawing criticism from veteran servicemen.
“The Army Captain concerned has evidently committed serious offences under sections 45 and 48 of the Army Act 1950, apart from civil offences. Another Army officer addressed a letter to the chief justice of Orissa high court, seeking action against the police,” Rao posted on ‘X’.
Rao said the Army officer, who had sent the letter to Orissa HC chief justice, had bypassed official protocols and did not consult the ministry of defence or Army Headquarters before addressing a letter to the judiciary.
“Therefore, it is requested that the Central government may immediately constitute a General Court-Martial or a Summary General Court-Martial against the two Army officers,” Rao’s post read.
Several Army veterans hit out at the former CBI chief and questioned his motive of trying to paint the two officers in poor light.
“Are you scared it will expose your corrupt staff. Can you answer? Why do people go to police stations late at night? Not for coffee am sure, but for help, support and sympathy. Should you not be accused of covering up the truth and peddling lies and half truths,” retired Major General Harsha Kakar asked on X.
The father of the Army officer’s fiancée also slammed Rao. “People are aware of Rao’s conduct while he was in CBI. The Supreme Court had held him guilty of contempt of court and made adverse remarks against him. He was mired in controversies. He has no right to give certificates on the conduct of the Army officers,” said the woman’s father, a retired brigadier.
Retired CBI director M Nageswara Rao