CBI has registered case in Pune land scam case: govt

The CBI has registered a case of criminal conspiracy, cheating and misconduct in the Pune land scam, the Rajya Sabha was informed today.

The CBI has registered a case of criminal conspiracy, cheating and misconduct in the Pune land scam, the Rajya Sabha was informed on Wednesday.

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In written reply to the House, defence minister AK Antony said, "CBI has registered one case against a retired Army officer in which (former Army vice-chief) Lt Gen N Thamburaj has been named as an accused."

On measures taken by the ministry to remove encroachment on defence lands, he said, "Detailed instructions emphasising the need for ensuring vigilance, detection and prevention of new encroachments have been issued by the ministry. Process of detection and removal of encroachments is a continuing exercise."

On audit of defence lands, he said, Directorate General of Defence Estates (DGDE) has already completed land audit of seven defence offices/Circles such as Chennai, Cochin, Goa, Jodhpur, Meerut, Mumbai and Vishakhapatnam as per the target given for financial year 2011-12.

Replying to a question on complaint of human rights violation against defence personnel, he said since 2009 disciplinary action has been completed against five armed force officials.

A total of 172 complaints were filed in this regard, he said.

On assessment of damage due to the recent avalanche in Jammu and Kashmir, Antony said, "An accurate assessment of damage to the fence can only be made after melting of snow which is expected by April 2012."