Inquiry ordered into Army's Kochi housing project: Antony

Convening authority to complete the CoI early, says the minister

A court of inquiry (CoI) has been ordered to investigate alleged irregularity in the Army Welfare Housing Project at Kochi, Defence Minister A K Antony informed Lok Sabha on Monday.

"A CoI has been directed by the Army Headquarter to investigate into the alleged irregularity in the AWHO project at Kochi and the convening authority has directed for an early completion of the CoI," he said in a written reply.

In last four years, the Minister said in eight cases of land scam and residential scams related to Army, inquiries have been ordered.

"In six cases, that is AWHO project at Kochi, Adarsh housing project in Mumbai, Pune land case, issue of NOC by Srinagar Defence Estates Officer, Pune Cantonment and Jodhpur case, investigations are under process," he said.

Antony said in the Kandivili land scam case, CBI has closed the case after the preliminary inquiry while in the Sukna case, action has already been taken against the erring officials.

Replying to another query, the Defence Minister said the Central Vigilance Commission has tendered their First Stage Advice against 43 officials.

"On the basis of CVC's advice, with the approval of competent authority, further action is taken as per relevant rules," he said.

To a question on the Border Roads Organistion, Antony said some irregularities have been reported in the purchase of digital telephone exchange equipment during 2008-09 in the Project Deepak of the force.

"The CBI investigated the matter following which sanction for prosecution has been sought against certain officers and departmental action has been recommended. Adjutant Generals' branch has been accordingly asked to take necessary action," he said.