Defence Ministry seeks explanation from IAF over security breach

The Ministry of Defence (MoD) has sought an explanation from the Indian Air Force (IAF) over an alleged security breach at the sensitive Race Course Air Force Station due to “unauthorised” installation of a booster antenna by a private telecom company.

Days after the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) pointed out that the booster antenna was set up without adequate clearances, the Ministry has asked the IAF to probe the issue and “fix accountability” over the lapse. It has also instructed the Force to take “adequate” action against the erring officials.

The CAG report had said the antenna set up by Reliance Infocomm in 2004 was cleared by the air officer commanding without the Ministry’s permission, despite the area falling under a high security zone.

It had also questioned the financial propriety of the arrangement as the company had provided free mobile phones to 22 officers as a “goodwill gesture” in return of installing the antenna. CAG had raised an objection to this arrangement.