A lieutenant-general serving at Army Headquarters is facing allegations of sexual misconduct levelled by the wife of a subordinate officer. The lieutenant-general faces allegations that he misbehaved with the wife of a colonel serving under him during an official May 7-10 visit to Israel. The woman is reported to have complained against
the lieutenant-general after which her husband was transferred to another post, Army sources said. The Army is conducting preliminary investigations, which it says show “a number of loopholes” in the allegations. The Army made it clear Thursday evening that the lieutenant-general had not resigned, nor been asked to do so.
This controversy has come as a blow to the Army’s image. Army Chief Gen. V.K. Singh, who vowed to focus on maintaining the Army’s prestige when he took over two months ago, is learnt to be monitoring the progress of investigations.
The defence ministry and the Army said in a statement: “There are some allegations. Preliminary investigations show there are a number of loopholes in the account of allegations. Further investigations are in progress... has neither resigned nor been asked to put up his resignation.”
The Army did not confirm reports that the colonel’s wife had complained about the alleged misbehaviour to the wife of the Army Chief, who heads the Army Wives Welfare Association.
The lieutenant-general’s wife dismissed the allegations, calling them fictitious. She said: “I have been married to my husband for 35 years. I know he is an upright, principled and disciplined officer with a high code of moral conduct. I vouch 100 per cent for his character.” She added: “I accompanied him on the trip in question. I was with him throughout. I vouch no such incident took place. Let the Army conduct an inquiry. The truth will prevail.”
The Army’s claim about “loopholes” in the allegations has triggered much speculation, with sources hinting that “vested interests” might be responsible.