Pune: The Uttar Maharashtra and Gujarat Sub Area of the Indian Army has completed its court of inquiry into the May 16 fatal shooting of JCO Subedar Om Bahadur Khand, allegedly by a Major, at the Central Ammunition Depot (CAD), Phulgaon, in Wardha district.A Brigadier-rank officer presided over the inquiry. The panel recently submitted its findings to the Judge Advocate General branch of the Southern Command, following which the crucial summary of evidence procedure was also completed.“With the summary of evidence now finalised, a court-martial is being planned accordingly,” a senior Army officer told TOI.The incident occurred inside the highly secured premises of CAD Phulgaon, a key ammunition storage and logistics installation. The Major allegedly opened fire at Subedar Khand on May 16, resulting in his death.“Since the incident occurred within the Army establishment, the accused officer remained in military custody rather than being handed over to the civilian police,” the officer added.Army sources said the action was taken under provisions of the Army Act, which governs offences involving serving personnel and allows the military to conduct proceedings in appropriate cases.The court of inquiry examined the circumstances surrounding the shooting and collected evidence from the scene. Investigators also recorded and verified statements from personnel present at the camp during the incident, the sources said.The completion of the inquiry and the summary of evidence marks a significant stage in the Army’s internal legal process.“The summary of evidence is conducted to formally place material and witness statements on record before a decision is taken on whether the accused should face a general, district, or summary court-martial. It depends on the nature of the alleged offence and the competent authority’s assessment,” said a source.The court-martial, once convened, will determine the charges and examine the evidence in accordance with military law. The motive could assume significance during proceedings, where the prosecution is expected to establish the circumstances leading to the shooting and the accused officer’s culpability.The death of Subedar Khand, originally from Nepal, caused considerable concern within Army circles, particularly as he was nearing the end of a long career. Sources said the JCO was due to retire in about six months and had served in the Army for several decades.Khand’s family has a long association with the armed forces; his two sons are also serving personnel, according to sources.
