In a major development, the Indian Army has asked the CBI to probe charges of corruption in the selection process of officers that is going on at a centre in Kapurthala district of Punjab.

The Service Selection Centres (SSCs) carries out the Services Selection Board (SSB) tests. The SSC under the scanner for malpractices is located in the Kapurthala district of Punjab.

“Based on a proactive operation by Army intelligence agencies, a case of possible malpractice in selection procedures at a Services Selection Centre has come to light. Since the scope of investigation involves multiple agencies, including civil entities, Indian Army has decided to hand over the case to the Central Bureau of Investigation,” Army officials told news reporters.

“Indian Army has zero tolerance towards corrupt practices in the recruitment process for selection of suitable candidates for the Indian Army,” they said.

Sources said the matter came to the notice of the Army headquarters and a probe has been started after complaints against a junior officer for being involved in malpractices. Later on, it emerged that many other insiders and civilians could be involved, including some high-ranking officials.

Hence it was decided that the probe should be handed over to the CBI which can probe all entities involved.