Indian Army issues statement after Rahul Gandhi's claim, says Agniveer's family was paid compensation

NEW DELHI: Indian Army issued a statement that Rahul Gandhi alleged that Union Defense Minister Rajnath Singh lied to Parliament regarding the compensation paid to family of Agniveer Ajay Kumar, who died in line of duty.

"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, family of Agniveer Ajay has already been paid Rs 98.39 lakhs," the Army's social media post reads.

"Ex-gratia and other benefits amounting to approximately 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," it added.

The Army's statement came after Rahul Gandhi's video on 'X', claiming that the family of Agniveer Ajay Kumar was not compensated.

"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 told 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," Rahul Gandhi said.