Major Leetul Gogoi may face court martial for ‘fraternising’

GOGOI BECAME MIRED IN A ROW LAST YEAR AFTER TYING A CIVILIAN TO THE FRONT OF HIS JEEP, APPARENTLY IN AN ATTEMPT TO FEND OFF STONEPELTERS

NEWDELHI: A controversial Army major is likely to face a general court martial for his friendship with a local Kashmiri woman, and an attempt to meet her in a local hotel in Srinagar, and being away from his designated place of duty, two officials familiar with the move said on Monday. Major Leetul Gogoi was detained by the police in a Srinagar hotel along with the woman in May this year. A court of inquiry (COI) into the matter found him guilty of “fraternising with a local in spite of instructions to the contrary and being away from the place of duty in operational area,” said an official His behaviour was in violation of the Army’s standard operating procedures. “Orders have been issued to initiate disciplinary action against him,” he added, asking not to be identified. The inquiry was conducted by a brigadier. The findings of the probe have been approved by the General Officer Commanding of Srinagar headquartered 15 Corps. The disciplinary action could be in the form of a general court martial (GCM), experts said.

Gogoi became mired in a controversy last year after tying a Kashmiri civilian to the front of his jeep, apparently in an attempt to prevent stone-pelters from targeting his convoy. The incident evoked criticism. Gogoi was later awarded the Chief of Army Staff’s Commendation card for “sustained efforts” in counter insurgency operations.

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