Mumbai, July 05: The western naval command is conducting a high-level probe into alleged irregularities in the procurement of equipment worth crores of rupees including key components for ships and naval establishments. "Some of the officers suspected of the misdemeanour have already been relieved of their duties and attached with other formations to facilitate investigations", a release by the WNC said here today.

A fresh team of officers have also been appointed to investigate the scam, it said adding that currently around four officers were being interrogated. If the investigation conclusively proves the allegations, strict disciplinary action would be initiated against the accused in accordance with naval law, the release said.

Earlier, a local daily had reported about certain officers of the procurement directorate (which deals with induction of equipment crucial for western fleet's operational status) by-passing established procurement procedures to favour some firms for illegal benefit.

The navy had subsequently disbanded the materials division and attached the officers to different units. Bureau Report