Sukma Scam: Union Minister V K Singh hits back at Arms tribunal decision

Lt. Gen. P.K. Rath (Retd), who was given a clean chit and his court martial quashed, said the verdict has vindicated his stand.

Gen. Singh said instead of issues, the tribunal has made a personal attack. “In the tribunal’s judgment, instead of reacting on issues, a personal attack has been made. An issue which was very clear and where corruption was tried to be prevented. Perhaps through such a judgment people will not get scared of corruption (sic),” Gen. Singh said.

“They also don’t tell anybody that an institution was to be constructed on this land and not just a school. Through this judgment, the morale of corrupt people will go up,” Gen. Singh said.

“You say that in view of security perspective an NOC cannot be given on land. But when a new person comes, it is then said that there was no security concern and you don’t tell anybody about anything in this regard which suggests wrong-doing (sic),” he said.

The former Army Chief also sought to question the tribunal’s knowledge of the armed forces, stating, “I have nothing to comment on the decision. The tribunal has an honourable judge who is advised by retired armed forces officers. What advice the armed forces officers give him is what he goes by ecause he does not know anything about the armed forces.”