New Delhi, March 17 (IANS) Veterans protesting over the 'One Rank One Pension' (OROP) scheme here on Thursday said all accounts of expenditure of the Indian Ex-Servicemen Movement (IESM) were proper and there was no embezzlement of funds.
"Independent auditors have audited our accounts. There is nothing wrong with it," Major General Satbir Singh (retd) told reporters at the protest venue at the Jantar Mantar here.
Lt. Gen. Raj Kadyan (retd) had named Wing Commander C.K. Sharma (retd), Major General Satbir Singh (retd) and Group Capt V.K. Gandhi (retd) and alleged embezzlement of Rs.7 lakh to Rs.8 lakh from the group's funds between January and July 2013.
"This is an old case, filed with a malicious intention," Satbir Singh said, adding that it was a case of "personnel vendetta".
IESM spokesperson Col. Anit Kaul (retd) said that cases were filed against the group's members as individuals and not as a group.
Meanwhile, a statement issued by the ex-servicemen's group said there was "arm-twisting" and "undesirable manoeuvering" to scuttle the movement on the OROP issue.
"It is very sad to note that arm-twisting and undesirable manoeuvering, posturing and clout is being used to scuttle the most peaceful movement for a rightful cause..." an IESM statement said.
The veterans also criticised the manner in which Sharma was arrested from his Gurgaon home late in the evening on March 10.
"The police came to arrest us as well. Luckily, we were not at home at that time," Satbir Singh said.
The three had applied for anticipatory bail, which they had not got till March 10 evening when Sharma was arrested.
The veterans said they were now trying to get bail for Sharma.
"Wing Commander Sharma is 73 and suffering from many ailments. Yet, the police showed no care or courtesy," he said.
