Major Leetul Gogoi, who is facing an inquiry after being seen with a local woman in a Srinagar hotel, has been recommended reduction in seniority after a court martial, Army sources said on Sunday.
“The court martial has recommended a seniority loss for Major Gogoi. The sentence has to be formally approved by the competent authority in the Army,” a senior officer said.
The approval seems certain and the seniority loss is likely to be six months.
Last August, orders were issued to initiate disciplinary action after a Court of Inquiry (CoI) held him accountable for “fraternising” with a local in spite of instructions to the contrary and being away from the place of duty.
His driver Sameer Malla, who was charged for unauthorised absence from the unit, is likely to be given a “severe reprimand.” Mr. Malla was posted with 53 sector of Rashtriya Rifles in Jammu and Kashmir.
On May 23, 2018, Major Gogoi was detained by the local police in Srinagar after a scuffle when he tried to get into a hotel with an 18-year-old local woman. Following this, Army ordered a CoI to ascertain the facts.
Army Chief Gen Bipin Rawat, during a visit to the State shortly after the incident, said action would be taken if he was found guilty. “If any officer of the Army is found guilty of any offence, we will take the strictest possible action,” he had stated.
Major Gogoi was earlier in the news in April 2017 when he used a local, Farooq Dar, as a human shield against stone throwers during the Srinagar Lok Sabha by-election. On this occasion, he was awarded a commendation card by Gen. Rawat in appreciation of his sustained efforts in counter-insurgency operations.