Indian Lt-Col sentenced to three years in milk scam

The News International

NEW DELHI: A general court martial (GCM) has cashiered an Indian Lieutenant Colonel and awarded him three-year rigorous imprisonment for alleged irregularities in the procurement of skimmed milk power worth over Rs 10 crore in the Northern Command of Indian Army.

The court martial of a Colonel earlier posted as Director (Military Farms), Headquarters, Northern Command, also alleged to be involved in the case, is under way at Nariah near Rajouri. He is facing 17 charges.

Sources revealed that the accused, Lieutenant Colonel Kuldeep Singh, was tried on 25 charges of intent to defraud and acts prejudicial to good order and military discipline under provisions of the Army Act. He was held guilty on 15 charges. The GCM, presided over by Brigadier SPS Mehta, Commander of an Artillery Brigade, concluded at Akhnoor.

Lieutenant Colonel Kuldeep had pleaded not guilty to the charges levelled against him. The GCM's verdict is subject to confirmation by the convening authority. The alleged irregularities pertain to Operation Parakram, when there were heavy troop movements and the requirement of milk had increased about three-fold, sources said. To meet the shortfall of fresh milk through regular supply channels, formations had resorted to local purchase of skimmed milk power.

Between January 2001 and August 2003, nearly 1,526 metric tonnes of skimmed milk power was procured through local purchase despite adequate stocks in the Army stores. Part of the stock procured was transported to stations in Eastern, Western and Central Commands without due sanction. The Indian Army has estimated the value of the powder procured to be close to Rs 10 crore.