New Delhi/Pune: The Indian Army has initiated formal proceedings to terminate the services of Major Sharyf Bhonsle, a Special Forces officer from Pune, who has been absent without leave since August 2014. After remaining untraceable for more than a decade, the Army has moved to dismiss him under provisions of the Army Act, 1950, citing prolonged unauthorized absence and serious misconduct.
Officer Missing Since 2014
Major Bhonsle, commissioned in 2009 into the 2nd Battalion of the Parachute Regiment (Special Forces), is a graduate of the National Defence Academy (NDA). At the time of his disappearance, he was serving as the Aide-De-Camp (ADC) to the Governor of Arunachal Pradesh — a prestigious and sensitive appointment within the Army.
According to official records, he had proceeded on annual leave in August 2014 but failed to return to duty. Subsequent attempts to contact and trace him were unsuccessful.
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Traced to Spain and Norway During Probe
Investigations revealed that Major Bhonsle had traveled to Spain to participate in an international para-jumping event without obtaining mandatory clearance from Military Intelligence. Later, his social media activity reportedly traced him to Norway.
Despite sustained efforts by military authorities, including coordination with civil agencies, his exact whereabouts have remained unknown for over ten years.
In 2016, the Army issued an Apprehension Roll to civil authorities in an attempt to locate and detain him. However, the efforts did not yield results.
Show Cause Notice Issued in 2025
On October 27, 2025, the Integrated Headquarters of the Ministry of Defence (Army) issued a formal Show Cause Notice to Major Bhonsle. The notice categorized his prolonged absence as serious misconduct under the Army Act, 1950, and stated that his continued retention in service was undesirable.
The notice was served at his family residence in Pune. He has been given 30 days to submit a reply. Failing a response, his commission will be terminated without further proceedings.
Army’s Stand on Discipline and Accountability
Officials stated that the decision to initiate dismissal proceedings comes after years of unsuccessful attempts to trace the officer and secure his return to duty.
The move is seen as a significant step toward resolving a long-pending issue within the military establishment. It underscores the Army’s emphasis on discipline, accountability, and adherence to service rules, especially within elite formations such as the Special Forces.
Background of Service
- Commissioned: 2009
- Unit: 2nd Battalion, Parachute Regiment (Special Forces)
- Education: National Defence Academy graduate
- Last Posting: Aide-De-Camp to the Governor of Arunachal Pradesh
- Status: Absent without leave since August 2014
The case remains one of the longest unresolved absence cases involving a serving officer in recent years.
