Hunny Bakshi
Hunny Bakshi | |
|---|---|
| Born | India |
| Allegiance |  India |
| Branch | Indian Army |
| Rank | Colonel |
| Unit | Directorate of Military Intelligence (India) |
| Commands | Technical Support Division (TSD) |
Colonel Hunny Bakshi (Retd.) is a former officer of the Indian Army and an intelligence specialist who served as the Commanding officer of the Technical Support Division (TSD), a covert military intelligence unit known for his operational capabilities and deep intelligence networks.[1][2] He is known for his work in counter-insurgency and intelligence operations, Bakshi has also been a vocal commentator on security issues post-retirement, including the Manipur conflict.[3]
Military Career
[edit]Colonel Hunny Bakshi served in the Indian Army’s Directorate of Military Intelligence and participated in counter-insurgency operations in Jammu and Kashmir and the Northeast. In 2010, under Army Chief General V. K. Singh, the Indian Army created the Technical Support Division (TSD) to conduct covert intelligence operations beyond conventional borders.[1][2]
As commanding officer, Bakshi led several missions, including surveillance, tracking of terrorist networks, and covert operations. TSD reportedly infiltrated terror networks and carried out operations beyond India’s borders, including in Pakistan.[4]
Controversy and Legal Proceedings
[edit]After the retirement of Gen. V. K. Singh in 2012, the TSD was disbanded under his successor, General Bikram Singh. Allegations arose against Col. Bakshi and the TSD, including unauthorized operations, political interference, and misuse of funds. These included claims of using off-the-record funds for covert missions and attempts to influence political processes in Jammu and Kashmir.[5]
A court of inquiry was convened, and Bakshi was posted in Ladakh as a Quartermaster. He was later admitted to a psychiatric ward at the Army Base Hospital in Delhi. His wife, Aparna Bakshi, alleged mental torture and institutional harassment by two former Army Chiefs.[6]
Court Martial Dropped
[edit]In March 2018, the Indian Army officially dropped all charges against Col. Bakshi. The General Court Martial was discontinued due to procedural irregularities, including the failure to follow Army rule 180, which mandates cross-examination and the right to defend.[7]
Legacy
[edit]Supporters and commentators have described Col. Bakshi as a patriot wrongfully targeted due to internal rivalries and a lack of institutional backing for covert operators. His leadership of TSD is often cited in discussions on India's capacity for strategic intelligence and the need for reforms in protecting operatives conducting deniable missions.[4]
See Also
[edit]References
[edit]- ^ a b "Former Army chief V K Singh's aide admitted to psychiatric ward". India TV News. 2012-07-21. Retrieved 2025-07-23.
- ^ a b "Army's Technical Support Division not a new unit". News18. Retrieved 2025-07-24.
- ^ "Mr Bond, is it? Or, Mr Bean-counter?". theweek.in. Retrieved 2025-07-23.
- ^ a b Levina (2020-05-04). "Col Hunny Bakshi Versus Hamam, When the Intel Officer Escaped Death by the Skin of His Teeth - RESONANT NEWS". resonantnews.com. Retrieved 2025-07-24.
- ^ "Col Hunny Bakshi case reveals how UPA-II misled nation; govt must step in to shatter syndicate compromising Indian forces". Firstpost. 2018-03-26. Retrieved 2025-07-24.
- ^ "Two former Army chiefs troubled me and my husband, claims wife of spy Colonel Huny Bakshi". India Today. 2018-03-25. Retrieved 2025-07-24.
- ^ "Army drops all charges against Col Hunny". The Times of India. 2018-03-25. ISSN 0971-8257. Retrieved 2025-07-24.