Even as the Defence Ministry is awaiting reports from the Army,Navy and Defence Estates department on the status of the land where the Adarsh Society has come up and on security concerns,it is learnt that the ministry is likely to recommend a CBI probe into the matter.Sources said a report is awaited from the Navy,which will answer queries on why and whether security concerns were raised now and not earlier. It is likely to be submitted by Thursday after which the ministry will take a call. While many options have been considered,including invoking a sparsely used rule to take possession of the land,consensus is building that a CBI inquiry would be the best step forward to bring all offenders to book. Separately,the ministry is also likely to recommend I-T inquires against retired officers who have acquired flats in the society. With some of the retired officers paying over Rs 70 lakh for the flats,the source of income is likely to be probed,given that most officers would find it difficult to afford such sums with known sources of income. At a separate level,sthe Army too is mulling over ordering a formal court of inquiry into the matter. The decision will be taken shortly as the Army is aware that the CBI could be more effective in the investigation,especially as non-military personnel and departments are also involved. However,the Army is clear that it will take strict action against serving officers found guilty. Sources have also pointed out that even retired officers,including former Mumbai area commander Maj Gen T K Kaul who was instrumental in granting permissions for the society,can be tried under Army law for irregularities that were conducted during service. However,for serving officers who are part of the society,the Army is likely to conduct a probe to figure out their sources of income as well as involvement in giving clearances or overlooking concerns. Meanwhile,the controversy has also triggered mudslinging within the Armed Forces,especially as some of the officers named are in contention for post-retirement jobs in the government. One of the officers is Lt Gen Tejinder Singh,who was in contention to head the National Technical Research Organisation. The officer recently retired as the head of the Defence Intelligence Agency and was seen as one of the top contenders to the post. However,it remains unclear if his chances will be marred as his name is being associated with the controversy.
