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The allegations of harassment have been brought out by three ex-women Flight Cadets (Ms Anshu Singh, Ms Sarabjit Jus and Ms Preeti Bahl) who were admitted for training in the Air Force Academy, Hyderabad in January 2004 under the Short Service Commission for Women SSC(W) scheme. The three ex-flight cadets failed in three or more exams during training which exceed the maximum number of failures permissible under the existing policy. Subsequently, the cadetship of Ms Anshu Singh was terminated on 28 Dec 2004 and that of Ms Sarabjit Jus and Ms Preeti Bahl on 13 Jan 2005. The allegations of sexual harassment was first raised by Ms Sarabjit Jus on 25 Jan 2005 through a written complaint. Ms Anshu Singh did not make any such allegation during her interview with the officers of the Air Headquarters, although she announced it in the media later. Ms Preeti Bahl only made a mention in her review application dated Feb 28, 2005 regarding a senior instructor demanding some undue cooperation, which she denied.
A Court of Inquiry has been convened on 18 Mar 2005 which is still under progress. Necessary action will be taken based on the findings of the Inquiry.
This information was given by the Defence Minister Shri Pranab Mukherjee in a written reply to Shri Narendra Kumar Kushawaha and others in Lok Sabha today.
SKS / RAJ
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