Rs 98 Lakh paid to Agniveer's family: Indian Army sets record straight amid Rahul Gandhi's allegations

New Delhi: In response to recent statements made by Rahul Gandhi, the Indian Army has clarified the compensation provided to the family of Agniveer Ajay Kumar, who lost his life in service. Earlier, Rahul Gandhi questioned the government's stance on compensation during a parliamentary session, alleging discrepancies in the information provided by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh.

What has Indian Army said in response?

Late Wednesday night, the Indian Army issued a statement addressing the controversy. According to their clarification, Agniveer Ajay Kumar's family has received ₹ 98.39 lakh in compensation. The Army acknowledged the sacrifice made by Agniveer Ajay Kumar and highlighted that his last rites were conducted with full military honors.

Here's what Indian Army posted on X:

*CLARIFICATION ON EMOLUMENTS TO AGNIVEER AJAY KUMAR*

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… pic.twitter.com/yMl9QhIbGM

— ADG PI - INDIAN ARMY (@adgpi) July 3, 2024

Breakdown of compensation

The compensation includes an ex-gratia amount and other benefits totaling approximately ₹ 67 lakhs, as per the Agniveer Scheme's provisions. This amount will be finalized after due police verification, bringing the total compensation to around ₹ 1.65 crore.

The Army's clarification after Rahul Gandhi's video message, where he reiterated his claim that Agniveer Ajay Kumar's family had not received compensation.

What has Rahul Gandhi's accusations?

"In defense of truth, it's the foundation of every belief! However, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh misled Parliament regarding the support extended to Agniveer Ajay Kumar's family. Mr. Ajay Kumar's father himself has exposed their falsehoods. The Defence Minister owes an apology to Parliament, the nation, the Army, and Agniveer Ajay Kumar's family," stated Mr Gandhi, the Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha.