Amid row over Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi’s remarks in Lok Sabha, reports are there that the kin of Agniveer Ajay Kumar, who died in a landmine blast in January, has received a payout of approximately Rs 98 lakh.
As per sources, family of Kumar got Rs 98 lakh which included Rs 48 lakh as group insurance cover and Rs 50 lakh from the bank which had his defence salary package account.
Meanwhile, the Indian Army refuted social media posts which claimed that the slain Agniveer had not been paid any compensation amount.
The Army’s reaction came shortly after Rahul Gandhi posted a video on his X handle, claiming that Defence Minister Rajnath Singh lied in the Parliament about the compensation paid to the family of Agniveer Ajay Singh.
"Certain posts on social media have brought out that compensation hasn't been paid to the next of kin of Agniveer Ajay Kumar who lost his life in the line of duty. 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," the Army said in a statement.
“Ex-gratia and other benefits amounting to approximately (Rs) 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,” read the statement.
“It is re-emphasised that emoluments due to a fallen hero are paid expeditiously to the Next of Kin of departed soldiers, including Agniveers,” it added.
On the other hand, BJP MP Bansuri Swaraj has moved a notice in Lok Sabha over Rahul Gandhi’s remarks made in the Lower House on Monday (1st July 2024) during his speech alleging that Gandhi made several inaccurate statements in his speech.
In her notice, Bansuri Swaraj said that the Congress leader's certain comments were factually incorrect and misleading in nature and necessary action should be taken in this regard.