Saurabh Singh Shekhawat: Difference between revisions

{{Use dmy dates|date=December 2022}}

{{Use Indian English|date=December 2022}}

In 2017, Shekhawat filed a complaint to the [[Ministry of Defence (India)|Ministry of Defence]] accusing two former army chiefs, Gen. [[Bikram Singh (general)|Bikram Singh]] and Gen. [[Dalbir Singh]], and a senior serving officer, Lt. Gen. [[Abhay Krishna]] of victimizing him. Shekhawat claimed he was denied promotion because of lackluster reviews in annual confidential reports given to him as retaliation.<ref name="wait">{{cite news |title='Victimised' decorated officer Colonel Saurabh Shekhawat gets promoted after years of wait |url=https://www.theweek.in/news/india/2020/03/14/victimised-decorated-officer-colonel-saurabh-shekhawat-gets-promoted-after-years-of-wait.html |work=The Week |date=March 14, 2022}}</ref> Shekhawat claimed the trigger for the victimization was his report made officially to the Army about a [[dacoity]] in [[Jorhat]] of a private citizen's residence involving personnel of the [[III Corps (India)|3 Corps]] Counter Intelligence and Surveillance Unit in December 2011.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/i-have-been-systematically-vicitimised-says-army-s-most-decorated-officer/story-Q3X3groo0FzkjoJOTRRjbM.html|title='I have been victimised,' says army's most decorated officer |date=2017-07-16|work=Hindustan Times |language=en |access-date=2017-07-19}}</ref><ref name="rob">{{cite news |title=Jorhat robbery case echo: Colonel claims victimisation |url=https://indianexpress.com/article/india/jorhat-robbery-case-echo-colonel-claims-victimisation-4753821/ |work=Indian Express |date=July 17, 2022}}</ref> At the time of the robbery, Gen. Dalbir Singh was then Corps Commander of 3 Corps and Lt. Gen. Abhay Krishna was then Shekhawat's brigadier general staff (operations). Shekhawat claimed Krihsna acted on Gen. Dalbir Singh's behalf to give him poor performance reviews.<ref name="rob"/> When Gen. Bikram Singh became Army Chief, the Discipline and Vigilance Ban imposed on Gen. Dalbir Singh by the previous Army Chief for inaction over the robbery was lifted and Gen. Dalbir Singh was further promoted.<ref name="rob"/>

On March 14, 2020, the current affairs magazine [[The Week (Indian magazine)|The Week]] published a story on Shekhawat titled ‘ decorated Colonel Saurabh Singh Shekhawat promoted after years of wait’ regarding the claims by Shekhawat of victimization at the hands of senior officers. Shekhawat in response wrote a letter to The Week claiming the story was inaccurate and said such stories "hurt the sentiment" of soldiers who serve and create doubts in the minds of the general public about the Army. The reporter Pradip R. Sagar provided a rebuttal by pointing out the story was not meant to "cast aspersions" on the Army but highlight accusations made against top Army brass.<ref name="aspersions">{{cite news |title=Army officer seeks apology over article; THE WEEK responds |url=https://www.theweek.in/news/india/2020/08/03/army-officer-seeks-apology-over-article-the-week-responds.html |work=The Week |date=August 3, 2022}}</ref>

Shekhawat has been awarded the [[Kirti Chakra]],<ref name="indianarmy.nic.in"/><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://sainiksamachar.nic.in/englisharchives/2009/feb15-09/h09.html|title = Untitled Document}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title=Lt Col Saurabh Singh Shekhawat, SC, SM, VSM|url=https://www.gallantryawards.gov.in/awardee/3564|url-status=live|website=Gallantry Awards}}</ref> the [[Shaurya Chakra]],<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://pib.nic.in/archive/releases98/lyr2002/rnov2002/02112002/r021120022.html|title=Untitled Page}}</ref> [[Sena Medal|Sena Medal (Gallantry)]],<ref name="timesnow.tv">{{Cite web |url=http://www.timesnow.tv/Tribute-to-men-who-fight-for-the-nation---Part-2/videoshow/4381299.cms |title=Tribute to men who fight for the nation - Part 2-Heroes-Weekend Shows -TIMESNOW.tv - Latest Breaking News, Big News Stories, News Videos |access-date=15 March 2016 |archive-date=21 March 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160321190553/http://www.timesnow.tv/Tribute-to-men-who-fight-for-the-nation---Part-2/videoshow/4381299.cms |url-status=dead }}</ref> [[Vishisht Seva Medal]]<ref>{{cite news | url=https://www.tribuneindia.com/2006/20060126/nation.htm | title= Rashtriya Rifles pick up lion's share of gallantry awards | date=25 January 2006 | newspaper=The Tribune | location=India | access-date=14 December 2018 }}</ref> and the [[Samanya Seva Medal]]<ref name="timesnow.tv"/> amongst other medals for anti-terrorist operations, mountaineering and distinguished service.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://in.rediff.com/news/2009/jan/26mumterror-karkare-sharma-among-nine-to-get-ashok-chakra.htm|title=Karkare, Sharma among 11 to get Ashok Chakra|date=26 January 2009|work=Rediff News|access-date=2009-08-03}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.thaindian.com/newsportal/india-news/president-confers-gallantry-and-distinguished-service-awards_100168787.html|title=President confers gallantry and distinguished service awards|date=19 March 2009|work=Thaindian News|access-date=2009-08-03}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/articleshow/461946556.cms|title=Gallantry awards for Servicesmen|date=23 August 2001|work=The Times of India|access-date=2009-08-03}}</ref> Shekhawat in a letter to Army headquarters in 2017 referred to himself as the "highest decorated serving officer in the army with an unblemished operational profile."<ref name="indiatv">{{cite news |title=Indian Army's top officer claims of 'systematic victimisation' by ex-Army chiefs: report |url=https://www.indiatvnews.com/news/india-indian-army-s-top-officer-claims-of-systematic-victimisation-by-ex-army-chiefs-report-391514 |work=India TV |date=July 16, 2022}}</ref>