Another Indian army scandal hits the news under Modi government

FARIDKOT: A startling scandal has emerged in the Indian Army, raising serious concerns about oversight and accountability under the government of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Serving military personnel were among six individuals arrested in a major drug smuggling operation in Faridkot, highlighting potential lapses in monitoring and control within India’s armed forces.

According to reports by the Indian publication The Hindu, the arrests included Jarnail Singh, a serving member of the Indian Army, and Amardeep Singh, a dismissed police officer. Authorities seized 4.8 kg of heroin, along with firearms and two vehicles, from the accused during the operation. Officials also revealed that the suspects had been misusing government-issued identity cards to bypass tolls and were linked to multiple prior drug smuggling cases.

Director General of Police Gaurav Yadav described the arrests as the dismantling of an organized criminal network. “The operation uncovered a sophisticated system involving both serving and former officials, which allowed them to evade law enforcement for some time,” Yadav said.

Experts and analysts are now questioning the lack of accountability mechanisms within the Indian Army that may allow trusted personnel to engage in illicit activities. “This scandal reflects systemic weaknesses,” said one defense analyst. “When individuals in positions of trust become involved in criminal networks, it undermines not only public confidence but also the professional integrity of the armed forces.”

Critics argue that this case also casts a shadow on the broader governance under Prime Minister Narendra Modi, suggesting that political patronage and insufficient oversight have contributed to an environment where corruption and criminality can fester even within institutions that are supposed to uphold law and security. The incident has sparked calls for immediate reforms in military and police oversight, as well as a thorough investigation into how such high-level collusion could occur.

The arrests in Faridkot mark the latest controversy to hit the Indian Army, fueling public debate about accountability, transparency, and the role of political influence in maintaining discipline within India’s security forces.