DefenceIndia queried a few ex-soldiers and took their views. Here is what they said:

Air Cmde Raghubir Singh (Retd), from Pune says –‘I feel its a very wrong piece of news published in some newspapers. News is not foolproof. But it’s time we got alert; and Indian Defence must be very careful because it’s not a small thing. Care should be taken at every step by the Indian Air Force’.

Lt. Col. Anil Bhatt (Retd), New Delhi, says, ‘Corruption is not just the case in the Army, it’s everywhere. They are not isolated from civilians but it’s a matter of great pity & shame that some Army personnel are involved in such activities; but you can't blame the Army as an organisation for this. The Indian Army as an organisation is not corrupt but only few people are involved in such activities.’

Lt. Gen. Nagra (Retd), says, ‘This should not have  happened in the Army. The Army personnel should not be involved in such activities. Corrupt personnel should be severely punished. The Army as an organisation is not corrupt. We can find good honest & upright people in Army. Only 1% probably, are corrupt. Although they are paid well but their greed makes them corrupt. Corrupt people work in a chain & the wave of corruption travels from downward to the upward level. Without the supports of seniors, no junior can even attempt any corrupt practice in the organisation. Defence personnel should always pay respect to their position because they always get due respect from civilians.’ 

Rear Admiral Raja Menon (Retd), New Delhi, says, ‘ The Media should stay away from the cases related to Defence because there are different rules & regulations …to punish some one. The Media always creates a hype on every case. Defence works in a separate way & it has its own way to respond.’

Wng Cdr. Yuri, (Retd), New Delhi, says, ‘It’s a very bad thing. The Defence Should become very careful before appointing a new candidate in the forces & every candidate should be fully screened.’