Army Court Martial Recommends Sacking NOC Found Guilty Of Harassing Female Officer

An Army Court Martial has recommended dismissal from service and a one-year jail term for a non-commissioned officer (NCO) found guilty of sexually harassing a female captain. The incident occurred in Sikkim when the female officer went to Sikkim for a river rafting course in the 17 Mountain Division area.

In the court martial convened by the 17 Mountain Division in Sikkim, the Havildar has been accused of using criminal force while attempting to outrage the modesty of the female officer of the Military Nursing Service, Army officials said here.

NOC guilty of harassing female captain

The incident took place when the female officer was staying at an official residence. The accused made obscene comments by forcibly entering her room and also made 'sexually coloured' remarks, as per the officials. However, the woman officer managed to escape and reported the incident to the authorities.

The Army authorities acted swiftly and an investigation was put up. The NCO was put through a trial process where he was found guilty.

The court martial took place in the 617 EME battalion in Sikkim and the jawan has been recommended to face a one-year jail term along with dismissal from service last week, reports Asian News International.

The President Officer in the case was Lt Col Deepak Shahi while the prosecution counsel was lawyer Akshit Anand.

What is Army Court Martial?

It is a type of internal judicial process that takes place within the armed forces. A court-martial is empowered to determine the guilt of members of the armed forces subject to military law, and, if the defendant is found guilty, to decide upon punishment.

Indian Army has been very strict with cases of moral turpitude and financial misappropriation. In the last few years, several officers and men have been dismissed from service in these cases.

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