Ajmer: In a major embarrassment for the Army, local police in Rajasthan along with Military Intelligence, busted a gang running a racket to recruit candidates through money and not merit.
The shocking scandal has hit Army just when youngsters were trying hard to become soldiers. Six Army officials in Rajasthan are involved in this scam.
"We have interrogated them and they have accepted their involvement," said Rahul Prakash, Additional SP, Ajmer Police.
Police claim that the racket has existed for several years and the gang functions all over the state. The eight touts arrested so far have also admitted that they took Rs 1.5 lakh from each candidate. Some retired Army officials in Rajasthan are also allegedly partners in this scam.
The Army now promises a crackdown.
"If we find any of the officers or the JCO to be guilty, we will take the strictest action possible under the Army Act," said Col Bharat Kumar, Director (Recruiting), Jodhpur.
But the Army's image has already taken a beating, for besides three Subedar Majors, three Majors serving as doctors in the Medical Corps namely Dr S Sriniwas, Dr R Maitrey and Dr B K Prasad were allegedly involved in this scam.
And convincing young aspirants .that entry into the Army is not on sale through money won't be easy.