Major Leetul Gogoi Likely To Face Action As Court Of Inquiry Finds Him Guilty For Violating Army Rules

Srinagar, August 5: Major Leetul Gogoi is likely to face action against him as Court of Inquiry (CoI) ordered against him finding that he has violated army’s rule. Major Gogoi was detained in May by police at a Srinagar Hotel with a local girl. According to official sources, the Indian Army officer has violated standard operating procedure by staying away from his place of duty without informing anybody and developing a relationship with a woman in a conflict zone.

A Brigadier-rank officer conducted the CoI, and its findings are placed under top brass officers of the Srinagar based XV corps for approval. After getting the approval, the charges may be slapped against the officer under the Army Act. The army will also examine legal aspects of the case before taking a final call. Days after the incident took place, Army Chief General Bipin Rawat said exemplary punishment would be given to Major Leetul Gogoi if he was found guilty of "any offence".

On May 23, Major Gogoi, another man Sameer Ahmed Malla and the girl were detained by Jammu and Kashmir Police following an altercation at the Hotel Grand Mamta as the staff refused to let her in. After questioning Major Gogoi and Malla were handed over to their unit, while the girl was handed over to her maternal uncle.

Major Gogoi shot to fame last year after tying a local Kashmiri Farooq Ahmed Dar to a bonnet of his jeep in Budgam district in an attempt to prevent stone-pelters from targeting his convoy. He was later awarded the Chief of Army Staff’s Commendation card for “sustained efforts” in counter-insurgency operations.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Aug 05, 2018 01:33 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).