President Murmu suspends Indian Army major posted with strategic forces command unit

An Indian Army Major posted with the Strategic Forces Command (SFC) has been terminated from services by Indian President Droupadi Murmu on the charges of possession of confidential and classified information on mobile and sharing it with an operative linked to the ISI and Pakistan Army. A high-level investigation found him guilty of breaching laid-down national security norms, sources in the defence and security establishment said on Tuesday.

The Army had initiated a probe into the major and his suspicious activities related to the possession and sharing of classified information in March 2022, sources from the Indian Army said. They also said that the President who is also the Supreme Commander of the three forces signed an order terminating his services using the power given to her under the Army Act, 1950. There are, however, no official comments on the termination of the major.

 At the time of his suspension last year, the major was posted in the North with the SFC. The major is said to have a link with an operative of the ISI through social media after which charges of possessing as well as sharing of classified information with unauthorised persons including possible involvement of espionage were filed against him.

It is learnt that nearly six defence personnel including a Brigadier-rank official are being probed individually over possible violation of national security protocol. They were also found to be part of a WhatsApp group called ‘Patiala Peg’ of which the major was a part. It is learnt that is expected to initiate disciplinary action in the next few weeks against at least a couple of officers including a Brigadier for alleged violation of the force’s social media policies.

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