NSG official sent back to army on fraud charges

A major general, who returned to the army from the elite National Security Guards before his term was over, is believed to have been asked by the defence ministry to seek voluntary retirement following charges of abuse of official position during his stint in the commando force.

Official sources said Major General S K Bharadwaj, who was posted as inspector-general (operations), is facing allegations that he was involved in irregularities including in canteen purchases and use of official vehicles in the NSG.

Efforts to reach Bharadwaj proved futile as he was not answering the phone calls nor replying to messages sent to him. Sources said an army officer of the designation of a squadron commander in the NSG had informed the defence ministry about the doings of Maj Gen Bharadwaj.

Interestingly, during this period, Maj Gen Bharadwaj was also asking for early repatriation to defence headquarters. Following its own probe, the defence ministry asked the home ministry to direct the NSG director general N P S Aulakh to accept the application of Maj Gen Bharadwaj.

Once his application was accepted and Maj Gen Bharadwaj moved back to the defence headquarters awaiting his further posting, the Ministry asked him to take VRS.

Under rules, if he does not accept the informal advise, the army can take disciplinary action against him. Aulakh was not available for comments despite repeated attempts.