Army action likely against Major Leetul Gogoi who was found in Srinagar hotel with woman

The army’s internal inquiry found that Major Leetul Gogoi was involved with a local woman in a counter-insurgency zone and he had no business being away from his location without permission.

The army is likely to take action against Major Leetul Gogoi who was detained by police at a Srinagar hotel along with a local woman in May, with a court of inquiry (CoI) finding that his conduct violated the army’s rules, said two people aware of the matter.

The family of the girl, who was detained along with Major Leetul Gogoi, lives in a tin shed in Chek Kawoosa area of Budgam in central Kashmir. (HT/File Photo)

The probe found that the major was involved with a local woman in a counter-insurgency zone and he had no business being away from his location without permission, said one of the officers quoted above.

The CoI was conducted by a brigadier.

The findings of the probe have to be approved by the General Officer Commanding of Srinagar headquartered 15 Corps, the officer said.

The likely action against the officer is on expected lines. Days after the hotel incident took place, army chief General Bipin Rawat said that the major would be given “exemplary punishment” if he found guilty of violating rules.

Gogoi shot to fame last year after tying a Kashmiri civilian to the front of his jeep, apparently in an attempt to prevent stone pelters from targeting his convoy. He was later awarded the Chief of Army Staff’s Commendation card for “sustained efforts” in counter insurgency operations.

Barely a year after that incident, Gogoi waded into controversy again after being detained at Grand Mamta Hotel where he had booked a room online in his own name. “No doubt a commendation card was awarded to him earlier. But that does not shield him from action for any wrongdoing subsequently,” said the second officer.