Illegal sale of weapons: Supreme Court pulls up Army for letting off officers lightly

NEW DELHI: Supreme Court on Tuesday pulled up the Army for letting off lightly senior officers who sold their non-service pattern weapons in border district of Rajasthan.

The top court took exception to the fact that the guilty officers were let off with just reprimands and said the punishment for illegally selling weapons by a member of a disciplined force was a pittance.

The top court asked defence ministry why these officials should not be recalled for fresh punishment commensurate with their offence.

It has been reported that affidavits submitted on the issue, hint at the involvement of Army units posted in militancy-affected Kathua, Kupwara and Srinagar districts of Jammu &Kashmir in such nefarious activities.

The apex court also questioned why similar inquiry into alleged sale of NSP weapons by Army officers in other 8 commands of Army should not initiated.

Supreme Court has sought reply on the matter by September 16.

Officers of the Army can buy weapons like 9mm pistols or .30 bolt action from ordnance factories at really affordable prices. These units, however, cannot be sold to civilians.