TNI Bureau: Anti-graft crusader Arvind Kejriwal has taken up a different cause this time without launching a tirade against politicians or industrialists. His support to retired NSG commando Surender Singh, has opened a pandora’s box and triggered an ugly battle between the government and the commando.
Surender Singh, who was part of 26/11 operations at the Hotel Taj, was seriously injured in the attack and declared medically unfit to serve. He was retired after 14 years and 10 months in service, whereas a person in the Army is entitled to get pension after 15 years in service.
Singh claimed that he has received only Rs 4 lakh, including Rs 2.5 lakh from the Central government. However, Information & Broadcasting Minister Manish Tewari rejected the allegations and said that the ex-commando was given Rs 31 lakh in the form of ex gratia payment by the Central and state governments.
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The Defence Ministry also said that Surender Singh was paid Rs 19 lakh due to him and an amount of Rs 11 lakh will be paid soon. The Ministry further said that he has been sanctioned a pension of Rs 25,254 per month. However, Surender dismissed the claims made by the government and asked everyone to check his bank account to know the truth.
Meanwhile, Arvind Kejriwal accused the government of misleading the nation. He tweeted, “Govt shamelessly misleading the nation. Rs 31 lakh given to 11 injured, not to Surinder Singh…”