Ajay Kumar's father, Charanjit Singh, has now confirmed that he received Rs 98 lakh as compensation for his son's death in action earlier this year. This statement comes a day after a video shared by Congress leader Rahul Gandhi showed Charanjit Singh claiming that he hadn't received any compensation from the Indian Army or the central government.
On Wednesday, Rahul Gandhi, Congress MP and Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha posted a video on social media accusing Defence Minister Rajnath Singh of lying about the compensation paid to Ajay Kumar's family. The video featured Rahul Gandhi meeting with Ajay Kumar's family, where they alleged that they had not received any financial support from the central government. In the video, Charanjit Singh is heard saying, "Rajnath Singh said that we have received Rs 1 crore... We haven't received any money so far... Rahul Gandhi is raising our voice in Parliament... Families of martyrs should get all the help and the Agnipath scheme should be stopped."
However, in an interview with India Today TV, Charanjit Singh acknowledged receiving Rs 98 lakh in compensation from the Army. He detailed the breakdown of the compensation, explaining that they first received Rs 50 lakh from insurance and later an additional Rs 48 lakh from the Army. Charanjit Singh expressed confidence that the pending Rs 67 lakh would also be sent soon by the Army.
Charanjit Singh's statement followed an official release from the Indian Army, which refuted claims that Ajay Kumar's family had not been compensated. The Army's statement clarified, "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... Of the total amount due, the family of Agniveer Ajay has already been paid Rs 98.39 lakh." The Army further explained that ex-gratia and other benefits amounting to approximately Rs 67 lakh, as per the provisions of the Agniveer Scheme, would be paid upon final account settlement following due police verification. The total compensation would amount to approximately Rs 1.65 crore.
Despite the financial compensation, Charanjit Singh emphasized that their concern was never about the money. He expressed a desire for his son to be granted martyr status. "It is not about money. We want martyr status for my son. He laid down his life for the nation, and till now, neither he has been given martyr status nor any facilities that a martyr's family receives," Singh stated, pointing out that they would not receive a pension or medical benefits typically provided to an Army officer's family.
Baksho Devi, the eldest of Ajay Kumar's six sisters, echoed this sentiment, saying, "Rs 1 crore will not bring our brother back. He had big dreams and was the only breadwinner of the family. You can take Rs 1 crore from us and give our brother back. One thing must be understood: it is not about money."
Charanjit Singh also expressed support for Rahul Gandhi's efforts in raising their issue in Parliament. He agreed with the Congress leader's call to scrap the Agnipath scheme and urged Prime Minister Modi to consider regular recruitment for the Army. Baksho Devi also criticized the Agnipath scheme, questioning the value of a four-year job and advocating for longer recruitment terms.
Local Congress leader Smit Singh, who visited the family, reiterated their demands. He stated, "We have no doubts about the Army. They will give the money, but the family is demanding martyr status for Agniveer Ajay Kumar and all other facilities. This must be taken care of."
