FIRE ONBOARD INS SINDHURATNA: 2 NAVY OFFICERS DIE; NAVY CHIEF ADM JOSHI RESIGNS
Naval Chief Quits in Protest Against MoD Red Tape & Refusal to Clear Submarine Battery Replacements
On 26 February 2014, toxic smoke and fire broke out in the third compartment of submarine INS Sindhuratna during sea trials off Mumbai coast, killing two young officers, Lt Cdr Kapil Kundu and Lt Cdr Manoranjan Kumar.
Taking moral responsibility and protesting against the Ministry of Defense's persistent bureaucratic delays in approving refits, spare parts, and critical battery replacements, Chief of Naval Staff Admiral D.K. Joshi tendered his immediate resignation.
It marked the first time in independent India's history that a serving military service chief resigned over government procurement paralysis.
📌 Key Figures & Decision Makers
- ▸ Admiral D.K. Joshi (Chief of Naval Staff)
- ▸ A.K. Antony (Defense Minister)
- • Inquiry Report into INS Sindhuratna Mishap & MoD Communications (Indian Navy Headquarters, 2014)