In the first ever disciplinary action of its kind regarding violation of cyber security, the Navy has recommended dismissal of three officers on charges of divulging operational information on social media. These officers are from Mumbai-based Western Command and had posted details of movement of ships on Facebook last year. Defence Minister AK Antony will take the final decision on their dismissal.
The Board of Inquiry, instituted by the Navy after the breach in information security came to light, found four officers of the rank of Commander blameworthy and recommended termination of service of three. The fourth officer is likely to be censured by the Navy Chief and this punishment will be valid for five years thereby affecting the officer's career prospects, the Defence Ministry informed Parliamentary Standing Committee on Defence. The Committee's report was tabled in both the Houses on Monday.
The officers likely to be terminated from service were posted on warships including aircraft carrier INS Viraat. They posted details of the movement of these ships to various ports on Facebook, officials said. Disclosing the next port of call and movement of ships is violation of Navy rules. This lapse came to light even as Navy issued strict instructions regarding restrictions on social media. The dos and don'ts included posting the officer's photograph and giving out operational details.
Incidentally, the Board of Inquiry into alleged hacking of computers of some officers reportedly by China in Visakhapatnam last year was about to conclude. These officers allegedly used internet despite instructions not to do so.
In its reply to the parliamentary panel on cases of indiscipline, the Government said action was taken against 219 Army personnel in three cases of stand-off between officers and jawans in last two years in Gurdaspur(Punjab), Nayoma(leh) and Samba near Jammu.