41 Army officers facing action for selling weapons in grey market
Armed forces personnel can obtain prohibited bore weapons, like 9 mm pistols or .30 bolt-action rifles, which are called NSP arms, from ordnance factories at very cheap prices for personal use.
By TNN |
NEW DELHI: Action is being taken against as many 41 Army officers and four retired ones for having sold their "non-service pattern'' (NSP) weapons in the grey market in the border districts of Rajasthan.
Armed forces personnel can obtain prohibited bore weapons, like 9 mm pistols or .30 bolt-action rifles, which are called NSP arms, from ordnance factories at very cheap prices for personal use. This case revolves around some of them selling these weapons in the grey market with the help of a cartel of arms dealers.
"Administrative/disciplinary action has been initiated against 41 Army officers, a JCO and four retired officers for selling their NSP weapons in violation of the extant provisions along with notices for depositing their weapons back with the central ordnance depot at Jabalpur,'' said defence minister A K Antony, in Rajya Sabha on Wednesday.
Moreover, 25 officers who were in possession of more rounds of ammunition than authorised for their NSP weapons have been censured, said the minister, noting that a court of inquiry (CoI) was held to look into the entire case.
"The district collector of Sriganganagar had provided a list of officers who had sold their NSP weapons, which included two major-generals and two brigadiers. The CoI, however, did not find them involved/blameworthy in the matter,'' said Antony.
Armed forces personnel can obtain prohibited bore weapons, like 9 mm pistols or .30 bolt-action rifles, which are called NSP arms, from ordnance factories at very cheap prices for personal use. This case revolves around some of them selling these weapons in the grey market with the help of a cartel of arms dealers.
"Administrative/disciplinary action has been initiated against 41 Army officers, a JCO and four retired officers for selling their NSP weapons in violation of the extant provisions along with notices for depositing their weapons back with the central ordnance depot at Jabalpur,'' said defence minister A K Antony, in Rajya Sabha on Wednesday.
Moreover, 25 officers who were in possession of more rounds of ammunition than authorised for their NSP weapons have been censured, said the minister, noting that a court of inquiry (CoI) was held to look into the entire case.
"The district collector of Sriganganagar had provided a list of officers who had sold their NSP weapons, which included two major-generals and two brigadiers. The CoI, however, did not find them involved/blameworthy in the matter,'' said Antony.
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