Antony Overrules Kapoor, Orders Avadesh Prakash’s Court-martial
In Sukna land scandal, defence minister AK Antony has given instructions of court-martial of Army’s senior-most Generals who was indicted by an Army court of inquiry for allegedly influencing junior officers to favour a land developer, reported Indian Express.
Antony overruled a decision by Army Chief General Deepak Kapoor to take only administrative action against Lt General Avadesh Prakash Military Secretary at Army Headquarters, and called for court martial proceedings, instead, said report
In addition, Lt General PK Rath, former 33 Corps Commander, will also face the same punitive action, said report.
It will be the first time in the Army that two Lt Generals will face a court martial.
Two other Generals named in the probe, Lt Gen Ramesh Halgali and Maj Gen P C Sen, are set to face administrative action, report said.
Antony’s intervention follows the Army Chief’s decision to go for only administrative action against Prakash who is one of his closest aides. Eastern Army Commander Lt Gen V K Singh, who initiated the court of inquiry, had recommended that Prakash be sacked, said report.