Major's arrest -- Police fear Army retaliation
PRESS TRUST OF INDIA

AMBALA, JANUARY 5: The recent arrest of an Army major by Haryana police here for allegedly beating up a bus driver has ruffled the feathers of lower ranks in the defence forces, with the police here apprehending "retaliation".

The tension between the law enforcing agency and the defence forces has taken such a "grave" turn that the Director General of Police (DGP) Haryana, S P S Rathore, has sought to discuss the matter with the General Officer-in-Chief (GOC-in-C) Lt General Vijay Oberoi.

"In view of the gravity of the incident and its likely effect, it is requested that the above matter may kindly be included in the agenda of ensuing civil military liaison conference scheduled to be held on January 7," the DGP's letter said.

Sources said that this conference, to be held at Chandimandir, the headquarters of western command, would be attended by the DGP Haryana, Home Secretary Haryana and some officers of Commissioner rank, while from the Army side, the GOC-in-C and some other senior officers willparticipate.

Police arrested Major Sudhir Tripathi of 9 Deccan Horse Unit for reportedly assaulting a driver of Haryana Roadways on Dec 25.

According to Army sources, the Army authorities have written to the Commissioner and Inspector General of Police, Ambala Range, expressing concern over the role of the Superintendent of Police, Ambala, in this regard and demanded his immediate transfer.

Copyright © 2000 Indian Express Newspapers (Bombay) Ltd.