Will probe if Bakshi formally complains, says Bipin Rawat

New Delhi: With the superseded Army Eastern Commander Lt. Gen. Praveen Bakshi reportedly alleging a conspiracy from some quarters to malign his image, Army Chief Gen. Bipin Rawat said both officers have reached out to each other and that he (Gen. Rawat) is prepared to probe any matter if Lt. Gen. Bakshi formally brings any grievances to his notice.

He also said that Lt. Gen. Bakshi has agreed to attend the commanders’ conference at the end of the month. Lt. Gen. Bakshi was earlier Gen. Rawat’s senior in service but has now become his junior officer. Gen. Rawat said both officers have accepted the decision of the government on selection of the Army Chief.

Gen. Rawat’s remarks came after Lt. Gen. Bakshi reportedly alleged that a “malicious campaign” to stop him from becoming Army Chief was carried out while addressing the soldiers of eastern command on New Year’s Eve. “If there is anything that needs to be investigated, as I said, if it is brought to my notice, we will look into it,” the Army chief said.

“Lt. Gen. Praveen Bakshi and I have reached out to each other. He said he has accepted the decision of the government. I said that I humbly accept the decision of the Government. I am not aware of what parameters the government adopted (in my selection as COAS). If he brings something to my notice formally (on any attempt by anyone in the force to malign him), it will be looked into and we will take action. He has been supportive of me. I will be supportive of him,” the Army chief said.