Another land scam surfaces in the Army

Southern Army Commander Pradeep Khanna reportedly sent a report to army headquarters alleging that the plot of land in Kandivali-Malad area in Mumbai, which was with the Army on lease, was sold “illegally” to a private builder in 2007 at the intervention of Inderjit Singh and Gen Kapoor, Army sources said on Wednesday.

Proper probe

In his report which has been forwarded by the Army to the Ministry, the Pune-based Army Commander has recommended a proper investigation into the entire issue.
Army chief V K Singh on Wednesday admitted receiving the report. He indicated that the service might opt for an inquiry by the Central Bureau of Investigation.

Defence Minister A K Antony too has received the report, which is now being examined by the ministry, said a spokesperson of the ministry.

The former minister of state for defence, however, denied his involvement in the scam. He said that his alleged note was dated November 2007 while the land was sold by Maharashtra government in June 2007 and possession was given in July 2007.  “How can a note written four months after the transfer affect transaction,” the former minister asked when his reaction was sought.

The land in question belongs to the State government and had been on rent with the Central Ordnance Depot since 1942.

The fresh land scam surfaced in the wake of the Adarsh housing society and Sukhna scams, which are under investigations. Both involved Kapoor as well as other senior officers from the services.