(a) whether the Government has inquired into the alleged pilferage and adulteration of fuel being supplied to the army in Ladakh region;
(b) if so, the outcome thereof;
(c) the action taken against the persons/officials found guilty; and
(d) the steps taken by the Government to avoid recurrence of such incidents?
MINISTER OF DEFENCE (SHRI PRANAB MUKHERJEE)
(a) to (d): A Statement is attached.
STATEMENT REFERRED TO IN REPLY TO PARTS (a) TO (d) OF LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 4343 FOR ANSWER ON 22.12.2005
A Court of Inquiry was ordered by the Government to enquire into the alleged pilferage of fuel being supplied to the Army in the Leh sector. Investigations reveal a conspiracy between some officials of the Indian Oil Corporation, Transport agencies, Truck drivers and certain Army officials to fraudulently supply water instead of fuel with the intent of receiving illegal gratification. Two officers have been suspended from duty and one officer was arrested by the civil police. Further investigations are in progress by the Army and civil police. To avoid such incidents, guidelines on accounting and storage of Fuel, Oil and Lubricants detailing the Accounting, usage of Bulk Storage tanks, inventory control and stock verification have been issued to all field formations by the Government in September, 2005.