A report by the Army into the functioning of the controversial Technical Support Division (TSD) — the military intelligence unit raised during the tenure of former Army chief Gen. V.K. Singh (Retd) — created a political storm on Friday after the report referred to alleged attempts to topple the Omar Abdullah Government in Jammu and Kashmir.
The government said no CBI probe had been ordered so far but added that it would take a decision “after a careful examination of the report.” The government also said it “has in place measures to prevent any such undesirable activities.” Army sources said the TSD is currently “not functional.” The internal report was submitted by the Army to the government as far back as March this year but the government has not taken any action on it so far. The report — by the Army’s Director General of Military Operations (DGMO) Lt. Gen. Vinod Bhatia — is understood to have suggested that an independent probe could be carried out by the CBI.
Top sources said the report also refers to certain highly sensitive covert operations carried out by the Army which could make it difficult for the government to order any CBI probe. The report has evoked sharp political reactions, given that the Gen. V.K. Singh had recently shared the dais with the BJP’s prime pinisterial nominee Narendra Modi at a rally in Rewari, Haryana. Information and broadcasting minister Manish Tewari said that the matter is “extremely sensitive” and if any person — retired or serving — is found involved in the matter, action will be taken. But the BJP claimed that any enquiry against the former Army Chief was a part of political vendetta. Former Army Chief Gen. V.K. Singh was on Thursday quoted as saying, “This is simple vendetta as some people are not comfortable with me sharing the dais with (BJP leader) Narendra Modi to espouse the cause of ex-servicemen in the country.” Gen. Singh also said that if anyone has recommended a probe into the functioning of the unit (TSD), then that person is “talking through his hat.” The former Army Chief’s lawyer Vishwajeet Singh on Friday said the secret report of the Army’s Board of Officers — prepared by DGMO, has no legal sanctity.
In an official statement issued, the ministry of defence (MoD) said, “The Government has received a report from the Army HQ. The report impinges on matters of national security and, as such, the government will take a decision after a careful examination of the report.”