Bhagwat row: MoD’s reasons wearing thin

However, records show that two committees, one set up by the Defence Ministry itself, cleared Purohit and now the CBI says it has found nothing to link Purohit — he is currently the officiating Controller of Logistics — with arms dealers.

Sources in the Defence Ministry said that in October 1997, an anonymous complaint was received against Purohit at the same time that the board was considering his promotion. According to norms, the Navydoesn’t pay heed to anonymous complaints in such a situation. But sources said that because this complaint had come from the Prime Minister’s office, an inquiry was ordered.

Vice Admiral J C De Silva, the Chief of Personnel, conducted an inquiry and cleared him. Purohit, though cleared by the promotion board, was not given his promotion. The MoD conducted another inquiry. Under instructions of the Defence Minister, a committee headed by the Defence Secretary — with Financial Advisor (Defence Services) and the Vice Chief of Naval Staff (VCNS) — was asked to examine Purohit’s explanation, the inquiry report and if, necessary, question the officer.

The Defence Minister said that the files were not made available to him. However, Subir Dutta, an Additional Secretary, in a document dated June 4, ’98 states: “There were about 20 files involved which had been sent by VCNS. These had been looked into by the Additional Finance Advisor. The Financial Advisor has also seen the more important papers.”

“From anexamination of the files, FA was of the view that proper procedure had been followed by Rear Admiral Purohit and none of the allegations of corrupt practice by the officer could be established,” Dutta’s note said. “VCNS stated that Rear Admiral Purohit had been asked for his reaction to the allegation that he or his wife had got proprietary interest in some firms with which the Navy has dealings. VCNS showed Defence Secretary and FA (DS) a letter dated 19/5/98 from the officer refuting this allegation,” he added.

In conclusion Dutta declares: “In view of the position brought out, the Committee was of the view that the allegations against RAdm Purohit were baseless.”

Despite this, Purohit, sources said, wasn’t promoted and the matter was referred to the CBI. On October 7, 1998, 22 files relating to the Purohit case were marked to Joint Secretary (Navy) with a request to forward them to Director, CBI.

Sources in the CBI said that a preliminary enquiry was carried out. “We have found nothing toimplicate the officer in question with arms dealers. But because of the sensitive nature and the minister’s statement we are not closing the file,” the CBI said.