Purohit case no big deal, says Major

Nagpur, Nov 17 (UNI) Chief of Air Staff (CAS) Air Chief Marshal Fali Homi Major today said the alleged involvement of Lt Col Prasad Purohit in the September 29 Malegaon bomb blast was ''but a minor aberration'', and took place in spite of internal checks and balances in the defence forces.

Speaking to reporters here, Air Chief Marshal Major said the Purohit episode was an exception rather than the rule.

''We have a million-strong military. Purohit's is but one case.

It is no big deal,'' he said.

Purohit is still a suspect, and his involvement in the incident has not been proven in a court of law, Air Chief Marshal Major pointed out.

''An individual's antecedents are checked thoroughly once he is selected for the defence forces. There is also an internal system of checks and balances in place. Purohit's case occurred in spite of the system, not in the absence of it,'' he said.

Replying to questions, Air Chief Marshal Major said the Indian Air Force (IAF) had ''no issues'' with the recommendations of the Sixth Pay Commission.

There were a ''couple of anomalies'' in the recommendations, which have been referred to a ministerial committee headed by the Minister for External Affairs, he said.

''A decision is expected soon, and we hope that the anomalies would be resolved,'' he added.

UNI AB SSS SY DS1406