(a) whether cases of army officers selling illegal non-service weapons to arms dealers;
(b) if so, the details thereof along with the number of officers and Junior Commissioned Officers (JCOs) found guilty in this regard;
(c) the number of officers so far reprimanded, suspended and court marshalled by Indian army; and
(d) the steps taken / being taken by the Government to ensure that in future army officers do not indulge in such illegal activities?
MINISTER OF DEFENCE (SHRI MANOHAR PARRIKAR)
(a) Yes, Madam. A case of army officers selling illegal Non-Service Pattern (NSP) weapons to Arms Dealers was reported.
(b) An Army Court of Inquiry carried out a detailed investigation regarding the role of 140 persons, including retired officers, lady wives and civilians. After investigation the Court of Inquiry found 72 officers and 01 Junior Commissioned Officer (JCO) blameworthy.
(c) Following actions against the blameworthy officers / JCO have been taken:-
(i) 25 officers of ex-Indian Military Training Team (IMTRAT), Bhutan were awarded Severe Displeasure (Non Recordable) by General Officer Commanding in Chief, South Western Command.
(ii) 11 officers were able to retrieve their weapons and deposit the same with Army / Police Authority. Their cases were disposed of by Administrative Action.
(iii) Cases of 10 Retired officers were transferred to Civil / Police Authorities for their action.
(iv) 26 Officers and 01 JCO were awarded sentence by General Court Martial.
(d) A revised Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) on sale / disposal of Non Standard Pattern (NSP) weapons has since been issued to prevent recurrence of such activity. Besides, a comprehensive review of the Special Army Order (SAO) 4/S/2006 has been carried out in consultation with Ministry of Home Affairs who administer the Arms Act to ensure that the procedure laid down in the Army Orders do not in any way give any scope for violation of the provisions of the Arms Act.