In the ongoing inquiry into the allegations of forgery in the personal records of senior officers from the Indian Coast guard, it is emerging that around 20 annual confidential reports of top officers have been manipulated. The investigations began after an Inspector General rank officer complained the Defense Ministry about the manipulation done in the record which led to the change in merit lowering his marks. Defense ministry officials did not comment on the allegations saying that the internal defense ministry’s inquiry into the charges was still on.

Defense Minister Rajnath Singh on Saturday said the Indian Coast Guard had initially started with less than 6 boats and today it has more than 150 ships, and 66 aircraft, becoming one of the prime maritime forces in the world. While speaking at the Investiture Ceremony at the National Stadium Complex here, he said the growth of the maritime force was possible because of the morale shown by the Indian Coast Guard. 

Appreciating the professionalism of the force, he said its growth and confidence helped people in many crises. Stressing the importance of sea security, the Defense Minister said “we are enriched and connected to the world because of our seas and its routes”. Rajnath Singh also emphasized the importance of security for coastal states and the comprehensive internal and external security framework. He said such services helped to avoid environmental hazards boosting the image of the country at the international level.