Major Gogoi likely to be court martialed for meeting woman in Srinagar hotel

Major Leetul Gogoi, who courted controversy for tying a civilian in front of an Army jeep and driving in Kashmir,  has been held accountable for fraternising with a local and being away from the place of duty despite instructions. The case involves an altercation with the Srinagar police in May this year.

Now, court martial proceedings will soon be initiated against him.

Mohommad Ahsan Untoo, the main petitioner, demanding reinvestigation in Major Gogoi's hotel fracas, told DNA that there is no word about Sameer Malla who is a co-accused in the case. "Malla was with him on that day. He is the kingpin, but there is no word about him. Has he been punished or not? Plus the army's decision will not impact our case. We will pursue our case and demand reinvestigation," he said.

On May 23, Gogoi was detained by police following an altercation at the hotel in Srinagar where he was allegedly trying to enter with an 18-year-old woman.

Days later, the Army had ordered the CoI into the incident after Army chief Gen Bipin Rawat said in Pahalgam that exemplary punishment would be given to Gogoi if he was found guilty of "any offence".

"If any officer of the Indian Army is found guilty of any offence, we will take strictest possible action," Gen. Rawat had said.

Gogoi had hit the headlines last year after he tied a man to a jeep in Kashmir purportedly as a shield against stone pelters during polling in the Srinagar Lok Sabha by-election on April 9.

Gen Rawat had supported the young officer's action and honoured him with the Army chief's 'Commendation Card' for his 'sustained efforts' in counter-insurgency operations.