CBI conducts searches at two retd Army officials' residences

The anti-corruption branch (ACB) of CBI on Tuesday carried out searches on the residences of two retired senior Army officers on charges that the duo favoured a private builder by allegedly violating the rules in respect of lease of the defence land in Pune Cantonment area.

The anti-corruption branch (ACB) of CBI on Tuesday carried out searches on the residences of two retired senior Army officers on charges that the duo favoured a private builder by allegedly violating the rules in respect of lease of the defence land in Pune Cantonment area.

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The searches were conducted after Army Headquarters in Delhi registered a complaint against former GOC-in-C of the Southern Command Lt Gen Nobel Thamburaj and former defence estate officer SR Nayyar, officials said here.

"The officers have been booked for the offences of criminal conspiracy, cheating and criminal misconduct," ACB-CBI Superintendent Vidya Kullkarni said in a statement.

According to the CBI, the duo had "ignored existing rules and violated terms of lease entered into by the Ministry of Defence" by showing favour to the private builder's firm 'Kalpataru', and giving him an advantage of Rs 46 crore.

Incriminating documents had been seized during the searches carried out in connection with the case, the statement said.