Dismissed in disgrace: Former Ezhimala Naval officer gets 7-yr RI, ₹75-lakh fine for corruption

Ezhimala: A military court has reportedly pronounced its verdict in the bribery and illegal asset amassment case against Commodore Sreekumar K Pillai, the former Commanding Officer of INS Zamorin at Ezhimala Naval Academy.

The primary punishment handed down reportedly is seven years of rigorous imprisonment (RI) along with dismissal from service with disgrace. In addition to this, a fine of ₹75 lakh has been imposed. If the fine is not paid, he will have to undergo an additional two years of imprisonment.

He is currently held in the Naval Prison at Ezhimala.

The verdict issued by the court martial has been forwarded to the Chief of Naval Staff in New Delhi for confirmation. The sentence will only be fully executed following official approval from the Chief.

Sreekumar K Pillai, who assumed charge in November 2023, was summarily arrested following prolonged surveillance by Naval Intelligence over allegations of receiving money from contractors involved in construction activities. Around 75 charges were reportedly framed against the accused, including receiving bribes, illegal asset acquisition and threatening witnesses in the case. Investigations revealed illegal transactions of around ₹1.5 crore connected to him. Intelligence officials reportedly gathered precise evidence after scrutinising real estate deals, gold purchases and bank loan repayments.

Allegations of death threat  

Serious allegations were also raised against the former Naval officer regarding an attempt to harm a hotelier at the Ezhimala Naval Academy, a primary witness in the case, to retract his statement.