Will look into grievances of Lt. Gen. Bakshi: Army chief

Army chief General Bipin Rawat on Friday said he will look into the grievances of Lt. General Praveen Bakshi, the Eastern Army Commander who was superseded when Rawat became the Army chief.

Bakshi, in his address to soldiers on New Year's Eve, had said there was a "malicious campaign" against him to tarnish his image.

The Army chief, however, said Bakshi had talked to him and said he had accepted the government's decision, and also extended support to him.

"If anything needs to be investigated, we will look into it," the Army chief said in response to a question on the allegations made by Bakshi.

He, however, added: "We both have reached out to each other. Ever since I was appointed as the Army chief, all he has told me is that I accept the decision of the government and will support you and the organisation."

"When he spoke to me on (December) 31st he said he has accepted the decision of the government," the Army chief said in a press conference ahead of Army Day.

Rawat was appointed Army chief overlooking two officers who were senior to him -- Eastern Army Commander Lt. General Praveen Bakshi and Southern Army Commander Lt. General P.M. Hariz.

--IANS

ao/pgh/dg