Special Correspondent
Decorated war veteran Brigadier (Retd.) G.B. Reddy has written to the newly appointed Army Chief, General Dhiraj Seth, urging the Army leadership to act decisively following serious corruption allegations levelled by advocate Sonal Singh against Major General Ajay Misra, the former General Officer Commanding (GOC) of the Telangana and Andhra Sub Area (TASA).
In his letter, Brig. Reddy has appealed to the Army Chief to ensure that the credibility of the Indian Army is protected. According to him, if the allegations are false, the officer concerned should be advised to initiate defamation proceedings against the advocate. Alternatively, if the allegations merit scrutiny, the Army should institute an appropriate inquiry in accordance with military law so that the truth is established without delay.
Speaking to this correspondent, Brig. Reddy said prolonged silence over allegations of such gravity risks eroding public confidence in one of India’s most respected institutions.
“The Indian Army enjoys unparalleled credibility among the people. That reputation has been earned through decades of sacrifice and professionalism. Any serious allegation against a senior officer must either be disproved through legal action or examined through due process. Allowing such accusations to remain unanswered serves neither the officer nor the institution,” he said.
A veteran of three wars, including conflicts against Pakistan and China, and an officer who also served extensively in counter-insurgency operations in the North-East, Brig. Reddy said his intervention stems solely from concern for the institution to which he devoted his career.
The controversy arises from a public article authored by advocate Sonal Singh, who levelled multiple allegations against Maj. Gen. Misra. These include alleged financial irregularities, misuse of welfare and regimental funds, improper use of official vehicles and manpower, expenditure on official residences, and alleged cultivation of political contacts for personal advancement.
The advocate further alleged that public funds meant for troop welfare were diverted for personal purposes, questioned certain official travel and hospitality expenses, and raised concerns regarding alleged personal assets and administrative decisions during Maj. Gen. Misra’s tenure as GOC, TASA.
The article also questioned the circumstances surrounding the officer’s reported transfer to a new appointment and the allotment of official accommodation after his transfer.
It is important to note that these allegations remain unverified. Neither the Indian Army nor Maj. Gen. Misra has publicly responded to the claims, and no official findings establishing the allegations have been made public.
Brig. Reddy believes that this uncertainty itself is damaging.
“In today’s digital age, unverified allegations spread rapidly. If they are baseless, they should be challenged through the courts. If there is substance, an impartial military inquiry should establish the facts. Either course would reinforce public confidence in the Army’s commitment to accountability and integrity,” he said.
He emphasised that the issue extends beyond any individual officer.
“This is about protecting the reputation of the Indian Army. Institutions derive their strength from public trust. Transparency, fairness and adherence to due process are the best safeguards against speculation,” he observed.
Brig. Reddy expressed confidence that the new Army Chief would appreciate the importance of addressing the controversy in a manner that upholds both the dignity of the officer concerned and the institutional credibility of the Indian Army.
As of publication, there has been no official response from the Army Headquarters or Maj. Gen. Misra regarding the allegations made by advocate Sonal Singh, who had given his mail id as Adv. Sonal Singh@sonalsi58487049
Yes : one should go to the root of the issue