Army Colonel Vikas Pandey Sentenced to Rigorous Imprisonment for Corruption
In an unusual and significant disciplinary measure, Colonel Vikas Pandey of the Army Service Corps (ASC) has received a sentence of six years of Rigorous Imprisonment (RI) and has been dishonorably discharged from military service. This decision was reached following a Summary General Court Martial (SGCM) in Chandigarh, where he was found guilty of corruption and fraud.
Colonel Pandey, who previously led the 503 ASC Battalion under the 3 Infantry Division in Ladakh, faced trial on seven charges. These included one charge under Section 52(f) of the Army Act, which pertains to intent to defraud, and six charges under the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988.
The trial was conducted under the leadership of a Brigadier and included three Colonels as members. It commenced on February 16 and concluded on August 16 at N Area, Chandigarh.
According to military sources, the accusations against Pandey involved several serious allegations:
| Opening and managing a fraudulent “Regimental Fund Account” at YES Bank, Leh, using official battalion stamps. |
| Illegally acquiring ₹63.66 lakh deposited in the account during his assignment in Ladakh from 2020 to 2021. |
| Receiving ₹4 lakh in bribes while stationed in Ladakh. |
| Purchasing a flat in Jaipur valued at ₹32.6 lakh and a BMW worth ₹48.48 lakh in his wife’s name, allegedly beyond his known income sources. |
| Illegally acquiring an additional ₹21 lakh in cash. |
The SGCM concluded that he was guilty on all charges.
Military officials have disclosed that Pandey was selected for the esteemed Higher Command course prior to a complaint that led to an investigation into financial misconduct. This was followed by a Court of Inquiry and Summary of Evidence, which ultimately led to the decision to conduct a court-martial.
The verdict requires confirmation from higher Army authorities. Previously, Pandey sought redress from the Punjab and Haryana High Court, which decided that his punishment remains contingent on the outcome of a petition filed with the Armed Forces Tribunal (AFT).
If upheld, this case will represent one of the most significant anti-corruption measures taken by the Army in recent years.
