Srinagar hotel case: Major Gogoi indicted by CoI, may face court martial

Major Leetul Gogoi, who was at the centre of the 'human shield' controversy, was on Monday indicted by an Army court of inquiry for "fraternising" with a local woman in Srinagar and for being away from the place of duty while in operational area, paving the way for possible court martial, according to official sources. 

“Disciplinary action has been recommended against Major Gogoi after an Army court of inquiry (CoI), conducted by a brigadier, indicted him for the Srinagar hotel incident on May 23. The findings of the CoI have been vetted by the General Officer Commanding of the 15 Corps, based in Srinagar,” Army sources said.

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Major Gogoi was detained by the Jammu and Kashmir Police following an altercation at the hotel in Srinagar where he was allegedly trying to enter with an 18-year-old woman on May 23, 2018.

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

"The CoI found Major Gogoi guilty of fraternising with a local in spite of instructions to the contrary and being away from the place of duty while in operational area," the sources said.

On April 9, 2017, Major Gogoi became a mired controversy after he tied a civilian to the bonnet of his vehicle in Kashmir, purportedly as a shield against stone pelters during polling in the Srinagar Lok Sabha by-election.

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Major Gogoi will now face summary of evidence, a process similar to framing of charge sheet, which is likely to take three months.

Major Gogoi might face General Court Martial (GCM) if charges framed against him are serious, the sources said, adding he will continue to carry out his normal duties till a final decision is announced in the case.

(With inputs from agencies)