Chandigarh | A long-pending and serious case questioning the integrity of the armed forces recruitment process has now reached a decisive stage, with court-martial proceedings initiated against a Major General and several other officers. The case, linked to alleged irregularities at the Service Selection Centre in Kapurthala, Punjab, dates back to a 2021 investigation into suspected corruption in officer recruitment through the Services Selection Boards (SSBs).
According to the allegations, candidates who were initially rejected on medical grounds were later cleared through the Review Medical Board process in exchange for illegal gratification. Investigators have reportedly found indications that documents and medical reports were manipulated to facilitate selection in return for bribes ranging from ₹50,000 to ₹10 lakh per candidate.
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The case began with allegations against a junior-level personnel, but as the internal probe expanded, the involvement of multiple officers and external individuals came under suspicion. Sources indicate that the investigation gradually uncovered a wider network in which previously medically rejected candidates were allegedly identified and later approached for illegal clearance through intermediaries.
It is also alleged that records of medically disqualified candidates were systematically maintained, which were then used to facilitate corrupt dealings. The probe further suggested that multiple levels of coordination may have existed between insiders to manipulate recruitment outcomes.
During the investigation, searches were conducted at around 30 locations across the country, including Delhi, Punjab, Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, Assam, and several other states. Officials reportedly recovered documents and other materials considered relevant to the case, further strengthening the scope of the inquiry.
The Major General, who was heading the centre at the time of the alleged irregularities, was recently attached to Headquarters Delhi Area. Around 20 other officers, including some who have since retired, have also been attached to different formations as part of disciplinary action linked to the case.
Authorities have invoked a specific provision under the Army Act to ensure that proceedings can continue even after retirement or discharge. This legal mechanism allows the armed forces to recall personnel accused of offences committed during service, enabling trial under military law.
Sources further indicate that the case originated from complaints against a junior officer suspected of malpractice, but the investigation widened significantly as deeper links and patterns of irregularities emerged. Over time, it reportedly revealed possible involvement of multiple layers within the recruitment and medical assessment system.
The Service Selection Centres, responsible for conducting SSB interviews and assessments for officer induction, are considered a critical component of the armed forces’ selection framework. Allegations of corruption within such a sensitive process have raised serious concerns about procedural integrity and internal oversight mechanisms.
With court-martial proceedings now formally initiated, the case is expected to move into the military judicial system, where charges will be examined based on evidence collected during internal inquiries and the CBI investigation. The developments mark a significant escalation in a case that has remained under scrutiny for years and is likely to draw close attention due to the seniority of the officers involved and the sensitivity of the recruitment process under question.
