Army clarifies report by electronic media

New Delhi, Mar 16 (UNI) The Army's Eastern Command has initiated disciplinary action against a senior officer for his failure to safely secure classified documents, it was officially stated here today.

An Army spokesman said Colonel Deepak Raina, of HQ XIV Corps, was facing disciplinary action for his role in non-implementation of safety and security instructions on handling of classified documents.

Asserting that action was ''being processed in accordance with the Army regulations in vogue'', the spokesman pointed out that since the matter was at pre-trial stage, ''it would be inappropriate to reach any definitive conclusion at this stage... The case is being progressed vigorously....'' The spokesman further denied that the officer was involved in espionage activity as alleged by ''certain sections of electronic media''.

Recalling the case, the spokesman said disciplinary proceedings were ordered against Lance Naik Clerk Mohd Javed Khan, posted in HQ IV Corps, after some classified documents pertaining to the Indian Army were found in possession of his father and former IAF Sergeant Mohd Hanif Khan by Guwahati Police in July last.

The NCO was charged with espionage and has since been sentenced to dismissal and 14 years Rigorous Imprisonment.

Based on the Court of Inquiry, the GOC-in-C, Eastern Command had directed that disciplinary action be also initiated against Col Deepak Raina for his role in non-implementation of safety and security instructions on handling of classified documents.

The spokesman, however, made clear that none of the compromised documents pertained to nuclear issues or deployment of missiles.

UNI DG VD PM1920