A sensational case of ‘unauthorised’ sale of military items including bullet proof jackets/patkas, magazines of INSAS rifles and other items has sent Army authorities into a tizzy in Jammu & Kashmir.
So far two people — an ex-serviceman and a civilian, both hailing from Jammu — have been arrested by the State police in a joint operation with sleuths of Military Intelligence unit of Nine Corps. A total number of 19 bullet proof jackets (fibre plates), 87 bullet proof patkas and 10 INSAS Rifle magazines were recovered from their possession.
The recovery of military items used by soldiers in combat has stunned officers of the Military Intelligence as it also amounts to brazen breach of security without which these items could not have been ferried out of the well-fortified military units.
According to Defence PRO, “the entire operation was carried out after receiving an Intelligence tip off”. Defence PRO said, “During the swoop down an ex-serviceman identified as Vijay Kumar of 24 Punjab,R/O Narwal was arrested while another civilian Satpal Verma was arrested from Bari Brahamana.”
Defence PRO said police have started investigations in the case under the supervision of senior officers of State police. Preliminary investigations have revealed that the military items were procured by the duo from a Pathankot-based scrap dealer.
Meanwhile, the situation along the International Border continues to remain tense across Jammu Frontier as Pakistan Rangers have been searching for an opportunity to provoke strong Indian reaction to escalate the tension.
On Thursday, when BSF jawans were preparing ground to carry out small repair works near Gate no 3 adjoining Abdullian Border post in RS Pura sector they were targeted by the Pakistan Rangers from across the border.
The incident took place shortly after 10.30 am forcing the BSF jawans to retract to their post. The local commander in the area decided against retaliating as farmers were working in the fields.