Indian Army Clarifies Compensation to Family of Fallen Agniveer Ajay Kumar Amid Controversy

The Indian Army has confirmed that it salutes the supreme sacrifice made by Agniveer Ajay Kumar, who lost his life in the line of duty. The family has already received Rs 98.39 lakhs, with an additional Rs 67 lakhs in ex-gratia and other benefits to be paid after final account settlement and police verification.

In a ‘clarification on emoluments to Agniveer Ajay Kumar’ posted on Wednesday, the Indian Army’s Additional Directorate General of Public Information (ADGPI) addressed social media posts suggesting compensation had not been paid to Ajay Kumar’s next of kin.

“It is emphasized 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, the family of Agniveer Ajay has already been paid Rs 98.39 lakhs,” ADGPI stated on X.

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

Earlier in the day, Leader of Opposition and Congress leader Rahul Gandhi accused Defence Minister Rajnath Singh of “lying” in the Lok Sabha regarding the Agniveer scheme and demanded an apology.

In a video posted on X, Rahul Gandhi alleged that the minister had misled Parliament about compensation to the families of deceased Agniveers.

“Rajnath Singh lied before Lord Shiva’s photo about the compensation to the country, its armed forces, and Agniveers. Listen to the family of Agniveer Ajay Kumar, not just our speeches,” Gandhi said in the video message.

Ajay Kumar’s father claimed that despite Singh’s assurances, his family had not received the promised compensation. “Rajnath Singh stated that families of killed soldiers receive Rs 1 crore compensation, but we have not received any such assistance,” he said. “Rahul Gandhi is raising our voice in Parliament, demanding that families of martyrs get all necessary help.”

Rahul Gandhi demanded an apology from the Defence Minister, accusing him of misleading the House and the nation.

On June 1, Rajnath Singh had asserted in Parliament that financial assistance of one crore rupees is provided to the family of an Agniveer who sacrifices his life while protecting the country’s borders or during a war. He accused Rahul Gandhi of attempting to mislead the Lok Sabha with incorrect statements.