Army Clarifies: Agniveer’s Family Paid ₹ 98 Lakh, Countering Rahul Gandhi’s Claim

In a late-night post on Wednesday, the Army clarified that Agniveer Ajay Kumar’s family has been paid ₹ 98.39 lakh, countering Rahul Gandhi’s claim that Rajnath Singh “lied” about the compensation of ₹ 1 crore being paid to the family in Parliament.

“Certain posts on social media have suggested that compensation hasn’t been paid to the next of kin of Agniveer Ajay Kumar, who lost his life in the line of duty,” stated the Army in a post on X, emphasizing its respect for Agniveer Kumar’s supreme sacrifice. “The last rites were conducted with full military honors. Of the total amount due, Agniveer Ajay’s family has already received ₹ 98.39 lakh. Ex-gratia and other benefits amounting to approximately ₹ 67 lakh, as applicable under the provisions of the Agniveer Scheme, will be paid upon final account settlement shortly after the required police verification. The total amount will be approximately ₹ 1.65 crore,” the Army added.

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This clarification followed a video message by Rahul Gandhi, reiterating his statement that compensation had not been paid to Agniveer Ajay Kumar’s family. “Protection of truth is the basis of every religion! But Defence Minister Rajnath Singh lied in Parliament about the assistance given to the family of martyred Agniveer. Agniveer Ajay Singh’s father himself has revealed the truth about their lies. The Defence Minister should apologize to the Parliament, the country, the Army, and the family of Agniveer Ajay Singh ji,” said Mr. Gandhi, the Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha.