Two years after the Brahmos combat missile accidentally landed in Pakistan, the Indian Airforce gave an explanation to the Delhi High Court on how the whole incident unfolded.
According to the Economic Times newspaper report, the IAF told the court on March 29 that combat connectors of the Brahmos missile remained connected to the junction box which led to the accidental firing of the missile.
The Air Force further said that the incident caused a loss of ₹25 crore to the government exchequer.
It told the court that the incident had the effect of affecting the relations between India and Pakistan.
According to reports, the IAF's Court of Inquiry examined 16 witnesses and found Group Captain Saurabh Gupta, Squadron Leader Pranjal Singh, and Wing Commander Abhinav Sharma – all members of the Combat Team – responsible for the incident.
"The incident caused "potential threat to any airborne/ground object/personnel and also causing damage to the reputation of Indian Air Force and the nation at large and a loss of ₹24,90,85,000.00 to the government exchequer," the IAF said.
It has told the HC that a "conscious and considered decision" was taken to invoke the "President's pleasure" clause to terminate the services of three officials.
The IAF's reply came in response to a petition filed by Wing Commander Abhinav Sharma in the Delhi HC ascribing blame on the Air Commodore and Squadron Leader for "ignoring and overriding the safety precaution popups" and ignoring the "bright and conspicuous red colour warning regarding the danger of firing a live weapon".
Denying the charge, the IAF has said that Air Commodore JT Kurien "was not responsible for the operations undertaken by the unit" as alleged by the petitioner.
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