Srinagar: A Major rank officer of Indian Army has been cleared of charges in a human shield case in Kashmir.
A youth was tied to an army jeep by the Major in Beerwah area of Budgam district in April and paraded through at least twelve villages.
Following furore over the act which was described as ‘dastradly’, the Army had convened a court of inquiry (CoI) on April 15, two days after an FIR was filed by J&K Police into the incident, involving a Major from 53 Rashtriya Rifles (RR).
However, India Today reported on Monday that the CoI has given a clean chit to a Major who tied the civilian to Army jeep’s bonnet.
No action has been recommended against the Major, the report said quoting sources. “Court martial is out of the question. Not even disciplinary action was recommended against the officer,” the report said.
The Army Major in question had led a five-vehicle convoy with soldiers, 12 poll officials, nine ITBP men and two policemen onboard.
“The inquiry has given a clean chit to the major in question – Nitin Gogoi,” the report said adding, “senior army officers had appreciated the presence of mind of the officer to avoid casualties or injuries.” “He was congratulated for his acumen and presence of mind that saved many lives.”
The April 9 incident, which occurred in Budgam, involved troops from 53 Rashtriya Rifles who tied up one Farooq Ahmad Dar on their jeep’s bonnet as a ‘human shield’.
