Hours after Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, levelled allegations on Wednesday claiming that the family of a martyred Agniveer had received no financial assistance, the Indian Army countered his claims by clarifying that Ajay Kumar’s family had already been paid Rs 98.39 lakh and that the final settlement would total around Rs 1.65 crore.

Posting on their official handle on X, the Indian Army’s Additional Directorate General of Public Information (ADGPI) issued a ‘clarification on emoluments to Agniveer Ajay Kumar.’ They noted that certain social media posts had suggested that no compensation had been paid to the Agniveer’s next of kin.

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“It is emphasised that the Indian Army salutes the supreme sacrifice made by Agniveer Ajay Kumar. The last rites were carried out with full Military Honours. Of the total amount due, family of Agniveer Ajay has already been paid Rs 98.39 lakhs,” ADGPI said in a post on X.

“Ex – Gratia and other benefits amounting to approximately 67 lakhs, as applicable according to the provisions of the Agniveer Scheme, will be paid on Final Account Settlement shortly post-due police verification. The total amount will be Rs 1.65 Cr approximately. It is re-emphasised that emoluments due to a fallen hero are paid expeditiously to the Next of Kin of departed soldiers, including Agniveers,” the statement added.

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What did Rahul Gandhi allege in Parliament?

In a heated session of the 18th Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi accused Defence Minister Rajnath Singh of “lying” about the Agniveer scheme. Gandhi demanded an apology from Singh, alleging that the minister had misled Parliament regarding compensation for families of deceased Agniveers.

In a video posted on X, Gandhi claimed that Singh had falsely stated that families of fallen Agniveers received financial assistance.”The importance of truth in every religion. Rajnath Singh lied before Lord Shiva’s photo about the compensation to the country, its armed forces, and Agniveers. I have said in my speech that don’t listen to me or his (Rajnath Singh) speech, but listen to the family of Agniveer family,” Gandhi said.

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Additionally, he shared a video featuring the father of Ajay Singh, an Agniveer who lost his life in Jammu and Kashmir. Ajay Singh’s father stated that, contrary to Singh’s claims, his family had not received the promised Rs 1 crore compensation.

“Rajnath Singh made the statement that families of killed soldiers have been given Rs 1 crore compensation but no such assistance had been received by his family. Rahul Gandhi is raising our voice in Parliament that families of martyrs must get all necessary help. Agniveer recruitment must stop and regular recruitment should be reinstated,” Ajay Singh’s father said.

The Congress leader further demanded an apology from the Defence Minister, stating, “The Defence minister had lied to the family of killed Ajay Singh ji, the armed forces and the youth of the country, and must apologise to them. Daro mat, Darao mat.”

Earlier on June 1, Rajnath Singh objected to Rahul Gandhi’s remarks in the Lok Sabha. He asserted that financial assistance of Rs 1 crore is given to the family of any Agniveer who sacrifices his life protecting the country’s borders or during a war. Singh accused Gandhi of trying to mislead the House with incorrect statements.

“Rahul Gandhi should not try to mislead the House by making wrong statements. Financial assistance of Rs 1 crore is given to the family of the Agniveer who sacrifices his life while protecting our borders or during war,” the Defence Minister said