Indian Army Engulfed in Corruption Scandals: Global Attention Recaptured

The Indian army, neglecting its duties, is reportedly preoccupied with filling bank accounts. Allegations of corruption within the Indian military have once again captured global attention. Sources indicate rampant corruption involving numerous officers from colonels to majors. Officers across ranks are accused of illicitly benefiting from their positions and perks, with over 1800 corruption cases surfacing from 2000 to 2023. During 2013-2022 alone, the Army faced over 1080 corruption cases, including 1046 from the Army, 29 from the Air Force, and 5 from the Navy.
In a widely publicized incident in 2009, three Indian generals were implicated in a ₹290 crore scam, including Lieutenant Generals Ramesh Halgali, Awadesh Prakash, and P.K. Rath. The Air Force also saw three air marshals court-martialed for a $20 billion corruption scandal in the past. Furthermore, investigations have revealed involvement of 72 officers in illegal sales of 9mm pistols and 30 bolt action rifles, implicating junior commissioned officers to multiple brigadiers.
A report by the CBI identified 17 officers for taking bribes in exchange for facilitating new recruits into the military. Retired Lieutenant General S.K. Singh was sentenced to three years in prison for embezzling ration supplies meant for soldiers. Additionally, five officers in Assam and Arunachal Pradesh were found guilty of taking kickbacks from ration suppliers.
Investigative agencies have seized ₹2.4 crore illegally acquired by Navy commander Ajit Kumar Pandey. Numerous colonels and brigadiers of the Indian Army have also been implicated in tax evasion and selling alcohol at exorbitant prices in the market. The top brass of the Indian Army stands accused not only of corruption in tax matters but also in failing to pay taxes amounting to crores.
The scandal-ridden Indian Army has even been accused of embezzling crores in purchasing coffins for soldiers killed in the Kargil War. With multiple news agencies confirming Modi’s government aiding corrupt Indian officers, the question remains: how long will the Modi government continue to shield a corrupt Indian Army while fooling its own people?